Steven Spielberg has been the driving force behind many highly acclaimed and successful films and franchises. His movies have not only significantly impacted his career but have also helped him navigate personal struggles. Such has been the case with movies like The Goonies, which follows a group of children on a treasure hunt adventure.
Spielberg produced the film and played an active role in its development, even directing some sequences. However, the inspiration for the film stemmed from Spielberg’s own experiences and struggles growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia.
Steven Spielberg’s Personal Struggles Inspired Iconic Adventure Film The Goonies
The acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, opened up about his experience growing up with an undiagnosed dyslexia in an interview with Friends of Quinn.
The filmmaker, who was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 60 in 2007, shared that he always felt different and struggled to make friends. It resulted in him lagging about two years behind his peers in reading and often being subjected to teasing.
It was like the last puzzle part in a tremendous mystery that I’ve kept to myself all these years… I was actually unable to read for at least two years. I was two years behind the rest of my class and of course, I went through what everybody goes through is teasing.
While he also admitted feeling embarrassed, the filmmaker found companionship in a group of kids with similar struggles. Referring to his social group as the “goon squad,” Spielberg shared that the experience inspired the story of the 1985 film The Goonies.
“That’s why I made The Goonies,” he said before adding, “Because I was a member of the goon squad.” During the conversation, he also reflected on how movies served as an escape from his difficulties growing up.
Steven Spielberg Found Escape in Movies Growing Up
Talking about his experience growing up with dyslexia in the 1950s, the Oscar-winning filmmaker shared his challenges amid an era with limited awareness of the condition.
He shared that some teachers noticed his struggles and his parents also helped and supported him, but they lacked the resources to effectively address his needs.
Amid such struggles, he was able to find solace in movies and was able to learn slowly and comprehensively, helping him to improvise his ability to appreciate and retain information.
I think movies really helped me, kind of save me from shame from guilt from putting it on myself — It wasn’t my burden and I think making movies was my Great Escape.
Despite being subjected to bullying growing up, Spielberg said, “I never felt like a victim.” Rather, he preferred to focus on one thing that provided him with a positive outlet and a sense of empowerment, making movies.
The Goonies is available on Prime Video.
