When a cinematic luminary such as Steven Spielberg lends his perspective to your creative endeavor, it becomes an indelible experience for any filmmaker. Gareth Edwards, the creative force behind the 2014 Godzilla revival, found himself deeply moved by the 76-year-old’s commentary on his iconic monster epic.
Speilberg’s remarks transcended mere critique, leaving an enduring imprint on Edwards, both emotionally and cinematically, even moving him to tears.
Steven Spielberg’s Godzilla Reboot Review Brought Director To Tears
In the world of cinematic artistry, Steven Spielberg’s insights hold a value akin to precious gold. When Spielberg turned his discerning eye toward Gareth Edwards’ 2014 Godzilla reboot, it marked a moment indelibly carved into the director’s memory.
Spielberg, a veritable luminary in the world of filmmaking with a legacy that boasts some of the greatest movies ever made, naturally commands immense respect from his peers.
During a demanding press tour period, Gareth Edwards received Spielberg’s initial review of his Godzilla masterpiece, and it had a profound impact.
Exhausted from the promotional rigors, Edwards found himself unexpectedly moved when, during a night out, he received an email from none other than Peter Jackson, featuring a video of Spielberg himself discussing Godzilla. Spielberg’s words resonated deeply, evoking a rare emotional response from the director.
As Edwards revealed in a candid moment on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Spielberg’s heartfelt comments about Godzilla brought him to tears. He said,
“Spielberg started speaking about Godzilla, and it was nice to hear it, and I just started crying. I literally just collapsed. I hardly ever cry, it just felt like that’s why I did it, all the pain of whatever it was, was just worth it for that little video clip. It meant the absolute world to me.”
The sheer weight of Spielberg’s approval made the difficulties of the filmmaking journey worthwhile. It underscored the profound connection that binds creators in the cinematic universe, where the words of a legendary figure like Spielberg have the power to move a director to their very core.
Indeed, Edwards’ 2014 Godzilla secured a lasting legacy within the Hollywood franchise pantheon, proof of its enduring impact, and Spielberg’s role in nurturing its success.
Gareth Edwards’ 2014 Godzilla Secured Franchise’s Hollywood Legacy
In 2014, Edwards unleashed the titanic might of Godzilla onto the silver screen, embarking on a monumental cinematic journey that carved an enduring legacy in the heart of Hollywood’s franchise landscape.
However, this was no overnight success story. Edwards’ path to the helm of this colossal production began with his 2010 independent sci-fi horror, Monsters, which garnered the attention of Hollywood’s major studios.
Subsequently, Edwards embarked on a cinematic journey that solidified his presence in the industry. Godzilla not only revived the franchise’s American productions but also prompted Toho to initiate their reboot, recognizing the film’s critical and financial success.
Moreover, Godzilla served as the cornerstone for Legendary’s expansive monsterverse franchise. This sprawling cinematic universe introduced iconic creatures like King Kong, Mothra, Ghidorah, and Rodan, culminating in the epic showdown of Godzilla vs. Kong in 2021.
As spin-off TV series like Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire prepare to captivate audiences in 2024, it’s clear that Edwards’ 2014 masterpiece ignited a renaissance in the giant monster franchise.
In an industry ever-expanding with franchises, Godzilla remains an enduring testament to the boundless power of imagination, rekindling the spirit of beloved icons and leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Godzilla (2014) is available on Prime Video.
Source: Happy Sad Confused, Collider
