Steven Spielberg
By Austin Bruce
Life Brief
Steven Allan Spielberg was born on December 18, 1946 in Cincinnati Ohio. His parents names are Arnold and Leah. He is the oldest of four children.He married Amy Ieving, and later divorced and married Kate Capshaw. With Amy he had one child named Max. Steven and Kate had six children named Jessica, Theo, Sasha, Sawyer, Kikaela George, and Destry Allyn. He attended Jewish schools as a boy and graduated from California State University. He is a director, and he is Jewish.
Background Symbolism
I choose the background of a picture close to the road on a bridge. The reason why I chose this background is becuse Steven is known for his amazing skills for taking a shots of racing scenes. He finds the perfect angle to put the camera to make it feel like you are right along the action, creating a powerful effect in the movie. A good example of this technique he uses is from "Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull" when Indiana and his son are racing away from the Russians. He uses special effects and his camera work to create an action packed scene.
Pick 3
When Steven was directing Schindlers List he was given permission to film within Auschwitz. But he decided against it, due having respect for the victims. Spielberg stated that any money accepted would be “blood money.” “I was hit in the face with my personal life. My upbringing. My Jewishness... And Jewish life came pouring back into my heart. I cried all the time." ( Meachum 8) He has directed over 125 movies! Giving him the experience to make the amazing movies. Spielburg came up with the rating "PG13" because he thought his films were too intense for young children.
Acconplishments
Spielberg has accomplished many things in his life. He has won three Oscars. "Along with his three Oscar wins, Spielberg has received many other honors. He received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1986. In 2004, Spielberg received the Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award and the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his work. The following year, he was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame."(Meachum 29-30.)
Struggle
As a child, Spielberg was always shy about being Jewish. He thought kids wouldn't like him or talk to him because of his religion. So to make friends , he started to include kids from school in the films he made. " He made the bullies at school the star of his film"(Meachum 10)
Mentor/Friend
To become who he is now and the success he has made, Spielberg did not have a friend or a mentor. He had friends in scouts and at school, but he didn't have a mentor to help him, he was self taught. Later on his career he had some help from other directors but he taught himself how to make a movie on his own.
Awards
Along with his three Oscar wins, Spielberg has received many other honors. He received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1986. In 2004, Spielberg received the Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award and the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his work. The following year, he was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.
Hobbies/ Interests
Steven loves to watch movies (other than his own) and he enjoys them all. He is also love to play video games, such as Lucas and Arts.
Symbol
A symbol for Spielberg is a bull. A bull is determined to do what it wants to. Spielberg faced many obstacles in his career, but he over came them. They are both powerful ( in Spielberg's case in filming)
Friend or Foe
I would think of Spielberg as a friend. He loves to watch movies as do I. Another reason is because it would be fun watching him making movies. He also has a broad imagination, which makes any moment not dull.
Most like
Spielberg is most like Robin Williams. One thing the share in common is their humor. Another way they are alike is their love for movies. One big way they are alike is how they cooped with kids their age. They both found that through humor and entertainment, they could make friends.
Alruist or Egotist
Spielberg is an altruist. He his a director because he loves what to do, he does not use it to inflate his ego. He does not use the several awards he has received to inflate his ego, but he accepts them with a thankful and warm heart.
Spielberg as a boy
As a boy Steven was skinny, sensitive, and unathletic. He spent most of his time in his room where his imagination wondered. There were ghosts in the closet, little people lived in the crack in the wall, and creepy crawlies under the bed.
Fun facts
-He did not receive any money during the production of " Schindler’s List "
-He was rejected for directing James Bond twice
-He cast his dog in several of his movies
-He hates coffee
-He is a collage drop out.