In the vast records of the silver screen, a unique cinematic gem developed, breaking preconceptions both commercially and in awards circles. The Color Purple, a masterwork directed by the iconic Steven Spielberg and enriched by Whoopi Goldberg’s exceptional talent, captivated audiences with its visual brilliance and emotional depth.
Strangely, despite an impressive 11 Oscar nominations, this masterpiece is labeled the most significant disappointment by the 76-year-old.
Steven Spielberg Felt Embarrassed While Making The Color Purple
There is a crucial time in the illustrious career of the legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg that left him feeling open and nervous.
In a candid reflection during his documentary, the acclaimed director revealed movies he would have redone if given the chance, with The Color Purple making the list of perceived disappointments.
Despite the movie’s substantial box office success, raking in nearly $100 million, and securing 11 Oscar nominations, Spielberg harbored remaining doubts about the film’s execution.
The adaptation of Alice Walker’s powerful novel, portraying the lives of black women in the 1930s South, felt like a miscalculation in its departure from the gritty and raw source material.
At the time, the producer was seeking to explore more mature themes, but the result turned toward being timid and overly polished. He revealed, “I was timid. I was just a little embarrassed.”
The filmmaker was uneasy about the notion that a black director would have handled the material better since it implied that Spielberg’s portrayal was mild compared to the passion of the novel.
Surprisingly, this self-critique is not an isolated incident. He also acknowledged that The Color Purple was not the only film he perceived as a failure.
Steven Spielberg Considered Jaws As Another One Of His Failure
In the vast world of filmmaking, the Jurassic Park director’s name shines as a beacon of cinematic brilliance, leaving an indelible mark with timeless masterpieces. However, even amid their achievements, the greatest visionaries encounter moments of uncertainty.
In a candid revelation, Spielberg confessed to considering his creation, Jaws, as another personal failure.
Surprisingly, despite featuring renowned celebrities like Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss, Spielberg contemplated including Jaws in his roster of disappointments, had it not been for the movie’s unforeseen success.
The motion-picture director’s initial skepticism about the shark’s visual portrayal was shattered when he witnessed the roaring success and rapturous audience response during the first preview.
Spielberg’s surprise and delight at the movie’s reception changed his perception of the creature feature, which would go on to become one of his most celebrated works. The screenwriter disclosed,
“When I went to the first preview, in Dallas, and people were screaming and popcorn was flying at the screen, my first feeling was, Oh my god! I didn’t think any of this was going to work.”
Interestingly, Spielberg also acknowledged 1941, a 1979 comedy about Pearl Harbor, as one of his biggest failures. The film received unfavorable reviews upon release, providing an honest glimpse into the complexities of Spielberg’s artistic journey.
This candid admission shows the esteemed filmmaker, underscoring that even amidst the brightest stars, shadows of self-doubt linger.
Source: Cheat Sheet
