DirectorSteven Spielberghas made some of the most iconic movies of the last few decades, but some may be surprised to learn about the legend’s own favorite movie. Steven Spielberg made his directorial debut in 1971 when he directed the filmDuel.Just four years later, the director had his true breakout when he madethe horror classic,Jaws.From there,Spielberg racked up acclaim for a number of movies, such asE.T. The Extra Terrestrial,Schindler’s List,andSaving Private Ryan.Most recently, Spielberg released 2022’sThe Fabelmans,which is loosely inspired by Spielberg’s own adolescence.
Over the years, Spielberg has dabbled in a variety of different genres. Though he broke out with a thriller,Spielberg quickly pivoted to science fiction, then comedy, then action-adventure. In this way, Spielberg has never tried to label himself or put his work into a box. Instead, the director has simply brought to life the stories that seem to inspire him most, whether they aremovies based on true stories, fantastical adventures, or classic musicals. However, one thing ties all these movies together. Spielberg’s favorite movies are more than likely to influence his own works.
Steven Spielberg Named Lawrence Of Arabia As His Favorite Movie
How Lawrence Of Arabia Compares To Spielberg’s Movies
Steven Spielberg’s favorite movie is the 1962 adventure film,Lawrence of Arabia.Released in 1962, the film isa nearly 4-hour epic that tells the story of British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence, who is sent to Arabia to create an alliance to help the British in their war against the Turkish. However, with the help of a man named Sherif Ali, Lawrence strikes out on his own mission to take down the enemy. The movie has 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, both as a critics' score and an audience score. It also won Best Picture at the 1963 Academy Awards.
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Steven Spielberg has directed all kinds of iconic movies, but he has also produced and executive produced some films he didn’t direct, such as these.
It’s a somewhat fitting movie to be Steven Spielberg’s favorite. Many ofSpielberg’s movies are reminiscent of this kind of action-adventure tale. For example,theIndiana Jonesmoviesare very similar toLawrence of Arabiain that the eponymous Jones is an intelligent adventurer that is bold enough to get out of dangerous scrapes. Furthermore, the desert setting is very in line withRaiders of the Lost Ark.On top of that,Lawrence of Arabiais a biographical film, which is another genre Spielberg directed in his day, i.e.Catch Me If You Can.
How Lawrence Of Arabia Influenced Spielberg’s Most Iconic Movies
Spielberg Has Always Known How To Handle An Epic
One of the greatest strengths of Steven Spielberg is his ability to make a 3-hour movie fly by. It could be thatLawrence of Arabiais the influence behind this skill. At 3 hours and 42 minutes,Lawrence of Arabiacould have been a slog, but director David Lean was able to keep the pace up and the story engaging.Some of Spielberg’s best movies, likeSchindler’s ListandEmpire of the Sun,are incredibly long, yet they keep audiences invested. Ultimately, it seems thatLawrence of ArabiataughtSteven Spielberghow to succeed at making an exciting epic film.
Lawrence of Arabia
Cast
The 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia is a historical movie based on the life of a real-life British officer who played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Starring Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, and Anthony Quinn, the Oscar-winning film displays the man’s disillusionment with war and its politics.
