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Since commencing his filmmaking journey in 1969, Steven Spielberg has directed a total of 34 feature-length films, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Widely recognized for shaping the modern blockbuster with the groundbreaking “Jaws” in 1975, Spielberg’s influence extends beyond mere commercial success. His directorial prowess, spanning over 50 years, has solidified him as a paramount figure and a trailblazer in the film industry.
Spielberg’s impact is evident in his array of masterpieces, marked by grand narratives, memorable John Williams scores, elements of science fiction, and poignant coming-of-age tales, all brought to life through stunning cinematography. Throughout his illustrious career, Spielberg has consistently delivered visually striking and impactful moments, ingrained in both the collective consciousness and popular culture.
Attempting to curate a list of Spielberg’s most iconic single shots is no small feat, given the plethora of memorable images throughout his filmography. Nevertheless, here are ten snapshots that stand out as emblematic of Spielberg’s cinematic brilliance and have become synonymous with their respective films.
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Steven Spielberg’s 10 Most Iconic Shots as a Director
Lincoln Heading Toward His Assassination — Lincoln (2012)
In Spielberg’s 2012 biopic “Lincoln,” the brilliant direction and Daniel Day-Lewis’ remarkable portrayal bring the iconic 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, to vivid life. Widely regarded as one of Spielberg’s finest works and a standout film of the 21st century, “Lincoln” earned Day-Lewis yet another Academy Award for Best Actor.
The film concludes with a poignant scene as Lincoln, donning his top hat, joyfully leaves the White House for the Ford Theatre. As spectators, we feel an urge to warn him, “Don’t go!” The image of a cheerful Lincoln walking down the corridor, his signature hat in place, carries a profound impact, underscoring the tragedy that awaits him at the theater.
Peter Pan Takes Flight — Hook (1991)
Hook offers a fresh take on the classic Peter Pan tale, exploring the consequences when the perpetually young boy grows into adulthood, forgetting his extraordinary past. In this Spielberg-directed film, Peter, played by Robin Williams, is drawn back to Neverland when his nemesis, Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman), kidnaps his own children.
Despite initial critical and commercial setbacks, Hook has evolved into a beloved Spielberg classic, particularly cherished by the Millennial generation. The movie, rich with iconic performances and enchanting moments, has cemented itself as a definitive childhood film.
Spielberg skillfully captures the enchantment of Peter Pan, enhanced by John Williams’ mesmerizing score. Every frame of Hook seems to shimmer with fairy dust, immersing the audience in the magical realm of Neverland. One of the film’s standout moments occurs when Peter recollects his past and takes flight for the first time. With an expression of youthful joy, Robin Williams embodies Peter Pan as he soars through the skies toward Neverland in a truly iconic shot.
Jim’s Airplane Shot — Empire of the Sun (1987)
Empire of the Sun, a coming-of-age war epic based on a semi-autobiographical novel, revolves around the character Jim, portrayed by Christian Bale, who is separated from his affluent British family in Shanghai and becomes a prisoner of war in a Japanese camp during World War II. Christian Bale’s exceptional performance at the age of 13 is considered a breakthrough.
A Captivating Outline The film’s standout moment is the “Cadillac of the skies” scene, where Jim joyfully cheers as planes bomb his prisoner camp. However, the most iconic single shot occurs earlier in the movie. Upon arriving at the camp, Jim is captivated by an airplane. Approaching it with curiosity, his silhouette against the dark backdrop, illuminated only by flying sparks, creates one of the most aesthetically striking shots in any Spielberg film.
Celie’s Shadow Shot — The Color Purple (1985)
The Color Purple, adapted from the novel of the same name, delves into the challenges faced by African-American women in the early 20th century, primarily through the perspective of Celie Harris, portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg, and her companions. The narrative unfolds the themes of sexual and physical abuse, poverty, and racism prevalent in their lives.
This film holds significance in Steven Spielberg’s career as it marked a departure from his usual blockbuster style. Notably, it served as the film debut for Oprah Winfrey and a breakthrough for Whoopi Goldberg. Additionally, Spielberg played a role in producing the 2023 musical adaptation of the story.
One memorable scene captures the passage of time and the shadows cast by Celie’s troubled past. As a young girl, Celie, portrayed by Desreta Jackson, is shown struggling to read a book, with her shadow projected onto the wall. The film cuts away briefly but returns to the image of Celie reading alone in her chair. When her abusive husband calls, Celie’s shadow rises, and she steps into the shot, revealing the adult version of the character played by Whoopi Goldberg. This subtle yet powerful shot has become iconic, featured on movie posters and paperback covers of The Color Purple.
Child Opening the Door — Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind marks Steven Spielberg’s inaugural venture into the realm of science fiction, with him both writing and directing the film that depicts humanity’s inaugural encounter with extraterrestrial beings. The narrative unfolds as individuals are drawn to a location known as Devil’s Tower, where they stumble upon an alien spacecraft and endeavor to establish communication.
A pivotal and visually striking scene in the movie involves the interaction between humans and the alien mother ship through musical notes, solidifying its status as one of the most memorable moments in cinematic history. However, preceding this, there is another renowned shot: a door’s keyhole emitting an otherworldly orange glow. In this scene, a young boy, intrigued by the unusual radiance, swings open his front door to reveal the UFOs bathed in their captivating orange lights. This particular shot beautifully navigates the delicate boundary between science fiction and horror.
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The T-Rex Breaks Out — Jurassic Park (1993)
Steven Spielberg utilizes a combination of animatronics and digital effects to resurrect dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, creating a sense of astonishment for both the characters and the audience. The characters’ wonder mirrors our own as we witness dinosaurs roaming the Earth once again. However, Dr. Malcolm’s observation that “Life finds a way” proves true as the dinosaurs escape and wreak havoc on the park.
Among the numerous iconic moments in Jurassic Park, singling out one shot is challenging due to the film’s abundance of memorable scenes. Whether it’s the helicopter approaching the island with John Williams’ score in the background, the first glimpse of Jurassic Park’s dinosaurs, or the projection of computer code on the Velociraptor’s face, each contributes to the film’s greatness. Even seemingly simple shots, like the close-ups of water rippling from the T. rex’s footsteps, have become iconic.
Nevertheless, the most renowned moment in Jurassic Park occurs when the highly anticipated T. rex emerges from its enclosure at night, unveiling itself and emitting a bone-chilling roar. This awe-inspiring and realistic scene, surpassing even contemporary CGI, has become synonymous with Jurassic Park and the entire franchise.
The Shark Unexpectedly Surfaces — Jaws (1975)
Adapted from the 1974 novel, Jaws unfolds in a New England beach town besieged by a menacing great white shark. In an effort to halt its reign of terror, a diverse team, including a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and a Captain Ahab-esque character from Moby Dick, is assembled.
Due to persistent malfunctions with the movie’s mechanical sharks, director Steven Spielberg strategically limits their screen time, opting for creative cinematography to build suspense. The audience is offered brief glimpses that tantalize and heighten the fear surrounding the shark. One iconic moment occurs when Sheriff Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) nonchalantly dumps bait into the water, only for the shark to unexpectedly emerge, jaws agape. Though fleeting, this shot, lasting just a second, remains one of the most chilling, impactful, and renowned scenes in Jaws.
Final Shot in the Warehouse – Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” epitomizes the adventure genre as archaeologist Indiana Jones embarks on a global quest to beat the Nazis in uncovering the legendary Ark of the Covenant. The film’s unforgettable conclusion, devoid of Indiana Jones, features an iconic shot of the Ark being stored in a vast warehouse filled with discarded secret projects. Although Indiana remains unaware of the Ark’s fate, this chilling finale has become one of cinema’s most renowned and parodied endings.
The Girl in the Red Coat — Schindler’s List (1993)
Schindler’s List offers a poignant portrayal of the Holocaust, depicting Oskar Schindler’s transformation from a Nazi Party member to a savior of 1,200 Jewish lives. His shift in allegiance occurs as he witnesses the atrocities committed by the Nazis against the Jews. A pivotal moment symbolizing this change is when Schindler sees a little girl in a red coat amidst the black-and-white backdrop of the film. Despite her brief screen time, this minor character becomes a powerful symbol, representing hope and humanity in a bleak world. This iconic image of the girl in the red coat has not only left a lasting impact on Spielberg’s filmography but has become one of the most memorable shots in cinematic history.
The Moon Shot — E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
During the filming of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Steven Spielberg experienced a sense of isolation reminiscent of the imaginary alien friend he had created during his parents’ divorce. This concept was shared with screenwriter Melissa Mathison, who crafted a script based on this idea.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial stands out from typical alien movies by focusing on the heartwarming friendship between a boy and an alien stranded on Earth. Instead of portraying an extraterrestrial invasion, the film depicts the bond between the two characters.
The iconic scene of Elliot riding his bike with E.T. in the basket showcases the alien’s telekinetic abilities. In a magical moment, they soar through the woods, passing in front of a brilliant full moon, accompanied by John Williams’ enchanting score. This breathtaking image has become ingrained in the memories of movie enthusiasts, symbolizing the essence of cinematic enchantment. Spielberg even incorporated this scene into the logo of his production company, Amblin Entertainment, Inc. Since its release in 1982, E.T. has been hailed as one of Spielberg’s masterpieces.
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