Steven Spielberg Role Model

Sarah Palma
English 11
3 March 2015
When asked to define a hero, society responds by listing the attributes of their role model. A four year old boy may explain his insane theories on why Superman can fly, whereas a Christian may preach on the gift of Jesus Christ. Whether they are baseball players, or Goddesses, many share a similar compassionate, daring, wise, and bold nature. As a modern director, Steven Spielberg challenged the rules of entertainment, assisted the underprivileged and demonstrated a welcoming personality, allowing him to become known as one of history’s greatest directors.
On December 18, 1946, Cincinnati, Ohio welcomed Steven Spielberg into the world (Biography). Along with his three sisters, Steven found himself moving several times throughout his childhood. It wasn’t until his parents’ divorce that he was finally able to settle down in Saratoga, California (New

York Times). High school brought Steven the opportunity to create his first feature length film, inspired by an evening of stargazing with his father. With a specific vision in mind, Spielberg dedicated his junior year to the creation of Fireflight (DreamWorks Studios). Children from all over the neighborhood, siblings, as well as other students made it an effort to be featured in Steven’s presentation. After a year in the making, Fireflight was shown in the local theatre raising a total of a hundred dollars, which he then donated to his charity of choice (Biography). After his senior year, Steven applied to several prestigious colleges, but was denied entry into all, forcing him to settle with California State College. In 1968, Steven’s short film, Amblin caught the attention of Universal Studios, providing him with an offer he could not refuse. Steven responded by packing his bags and leaving college within that same week (Biography).
Universal Studios’ internship provided Steven with several opportunities. Not long after moving into his own office did Spielberg begin the creation of the movies Duel, Something Evil, as well as Sugarland Express. Despite their struggle to do well in box office, Sugarland got the attention of multiple critics popularizing his name. A year later, in 1975, Steven Spielberg released the infamous production, Jaws. It soon became the first movie to break the hundred million dollar mark, earning three Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing as well as Best Original Music Score, as well as multiple other respected awards (DreamWorks Studios).
Jaws’ success eventually led to the creation of Steven’s best movies, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a movie following a group after they witness a possible UFO sighting.

Included in the several awards, was one for Best Director bringing worth to Spielberg’s name. Following Close Encounters of the Third Kind were films: I Wanna Hold Your Hand, 1941, four time Academy Award Winning Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, as well as the unforgettable ET: The Extraterrestrial. E.T was eventually became the highest grossing movie in history, and was nominated for nine Academy Awards, earning four as well as multiple Golden Globes and Grammy’s (DreamWorks Studios). The next ten years in Spielberg's career brought us The Goonies, along with several Indiana Jones films, up until the release of 1993’s Jurassic Park and The Schindler’s List. Together they were presented with nine Academy Awards. His most recent films include Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, Letters from Iwo Jima, as well as Lincoln, all holding multiple Academy Awards (DreamWorks

Studios).
Spielberg’s innovative thinking contributed to the world of cinema with each movie created. Never before had people seen humans interact with an extraterrestrial in the way Elliot and ET did. The friendship developed between the two challenged the stereotypes that were created to describe those different from the social norm. The movie, Jaws brought suspense to the sea through the use of sharks and an award winning score (DreamWorks Studios). This was a contrast to the typical New York crime scene, with a plot that only lacked uncertainty. Scenes and scenarios were not the only variance found between his pictures. Schindler’s List was developed in a viewpoint different from the Nazi party or jewish victims, providing a new outlook on World War II, thus creating a beautiful flaw in the business of entertainment.
Since his first film release at the age of 16, Steven has been supporting charities of his choice. Through the profit collected from Schindler’s List, Spielberg founded the Righteous Persons Foundation, committed to creating strong Jewish societies (DreamWorks Studios). He has also remained the chairman of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving hospital experiences (DreamWorks Studios). Spielberg also participates in other philanthropies including AIDs/HIV, disaster, cancer and environmental relief. Spielberg’s recognition of international issues, as well as domestic affairs has opened the doors to people in need all over the country, bringing hope found in his movies to the real world (DreamWorks Studios).
As a symbol of diversity and passion, Spielberg has taught individuals the importance of being different in order to succeed. Throughout his life Steven often found himself standing outside of the box representative of conformity. He quickly learned to take advantage of this, pouring it into his films. Steven did everything in his power to become the industries’ best filmmaker whether that meant dropping out of college, dedicating his high school career to the creation of movies on four hundred dollar budgets, or establishing his own corporations such as Amblin Entertainment and Dreamworks Studios (Biography).
Today Spielberg continues his legacy, altering what it means to be a filmmaker. His ability to bend the concept of production will forever allow him to speak for the quiet, and care for those in need. It is his passionate, quirky and audacious personality that makes him a hero to millions across the globe.

Bibliography

Rubin, Susan Goldman. Steven Spielberg. New York, N.Y.: Harry N. Abrams, 2001. Print.

"Steven Spielberg." DreamWorks Studios. N.p., n.d. Web. Jan. 2015.
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"Steven Spielberg." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 27 Feb. 2015.
"Steven Spielberg." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. Jan. 2015.
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