The acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg has been instrumental in creating many landmark films in Hollywood, spanning genres from sci-fi and action-adventure to historical dramas. Among his diverse portfolio, some films resonate with him on a personal level, such as The Fabelmans.
Another standout is the 2002 crime comedy Catch Me If You Can, which Spielberg considers his most complex and personal exploration of a father-son relationship. In a previous interview, he shared that his deep admiration for the story inspired him to take the bold step of bringing it to the big screen.
Steven Spielberg Reflected on His Most Personal and Complex Film
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, the 2002 film Catch Me If You Can, follows the adventures of Frank Abagnale Jr., who claimed to have carried out millions in scams while posing as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer before turning 19.
Frank’s adventures in the film start after he discovers his mother’s affair and the impending divorce of his parents. Torn between choosing his mother or father, he embarks on a series of cons. All the while he continues to make efforts to bring his family back together.
In an interview with blackfilm.com, Spielberg discussed the personal connection he felt with the story of Catch Me If You Can. “I love Frank’s story,” he said while highlighting their shared experience of broken homes.
It deals with what Frank and I both share which is broken homes. I ran away from home when my parents got divorced; at the same age Frank ran away when his parents got divorced, so I had that in common with him.
Steven Spielberg also had a similar experience growing up, about which he opened up in the 2022 film, The Fablemans, where the actor revealed the circumstances surrounding his parents’ split and how his father’s absence impacted him.
Many of his films have explored the theme of the absent father, something that he wanted to highlight to underscore that Frank’s criminal actions were driven by a profound emotional need.
Steven Spielberg’s Inspiration For Catch Me If You Can
During his conversation with blackfilm.com, the filmmaker shared the pivotal moment that inspired him to bring Frank Abagnale Jr.’s story to the big screen. The filmmaker recounted how reading about the dramatic manhunt for the con man became the turning point for him.
The filmmaker shared during the interview,
Getting out of the Miami International Airport with a 120 FBI agents scouring that one venue–that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
He shared that the incident was the catalyst for his decision to adapt the story for cinema. “And when I read that I said ˜Aw. Man if that’s true, I gotta make this picture,” Spielberg said.
Frank Abagnale Jr.’s exploits reportedly took place during the 1960s, during which he allegedly became the youngest person ever to be listed on the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted list.
Catch Me If You Can is available to stream on Paramount+.
