Steven Spielberg is a name synonymous with massively successful movies and award-winning cinematic masterpieces. From E.T. to Jurassic Park to Saving Private Ryan, he has graced us with a number of the greatest and most enduring movies in history. But if ever there was a movie that really stood out in his impressive repertoire, it would have to be Schindler’s List.
The 195-minute epic historical drama, which was released in 1993, was a rare combination of a huge critical darling, a major awards contender, and a massive blockbuster. Universal Pictures’ Schindler’s List picked up 12 Oscar nominations and won seven, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film grossed more than $322 million worldwide, an enormous sum for a prestige film.
Spielberg recently stated that he believed Schindler’s List to be his best film in a THR interview. Nonetheless, the director leaves room for future endeavors, implying that his critically acclaimed drama may yet fall short.
The ‘Best Movie’ of Steven Spielberg’s 55-Year Career?
Widespread critical praise was bestowed upon Schindler’s List, which went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (it was nominated for twelve). Steven Spielberg recently stated that he is still optimistic about making a film that surpasses Schindler’s List, despite its acclaim and critical success.
In a recent interview with THR, he stated that while he is “proudest of” the film, he will not claim that it is the “best movie” he has ever made. In his words:
“It’s the best movie I’ve ever made. I am not going to say it’s the best movie I ever will make. But currently, it’s the work I’m proudest of.”
Fans and critics alike might be intrigued and excited about what film masterpiece Spielberg might have up his sleeve after reading this statement. It is clear that he is a filmmaker motivated by passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He would go on to direct a number of real classics, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Jurassic Park, and Saving Private Ryan, among others, after securing his reputation in Hollywood with 1975’s Jaws.
He constantly aspires for perfection, pushing the limits of filmmaking and storytelling with each project. And he is not content to rest on his laurels.
How Robin Williams Lifted Steven Spielberg’s Spirits?
That is exactly what friends are for. While he was filming Schindler’s List, a 1993 film about the Holocaust, Steven Spielberg disclosed that his late friend Robin Williams called him once a week to offer him encouragement. He said (via THR):
“Robin knew how hard it was for me on the movie, and once a week, every Friday, he’d call me on the phone and do comedy for me. Whether it was after 10 minutes or 20 minutes, when he heard me give the biggest laugh, he’d hang up on me.”
Spielberg claimed that he experienced emotional exhaustion while filming Schindler’s List, as he added:
“The hard days were beyond my imagination and the easy days were never easy.”
Spielberg and Williams have been friends since Hook, the 1991 film that the former directed and starred the late actor, according to the New York Post. Williams’ body was found at his California, home in 2014; he was sixty-three years old. They declared his death to be a suicide. His widow reported that he was suffering from depression, anxiety, and growing paranoia following his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (via CNN).
Schindler’s List can be rented on Apple TV.
