Key Takeaways:
* Steven Spielberg has shown his versatility directing various film genres.
* Spielberg knowingly made Tom Hanks nervous during the filming of Saving Private Ryan.
* Despite discomfort, Hanks praised Spielberg’s tribute to Jewish soldiers.
* Saving Private Ryan was a tribute to Spielberg’s father, a World War II veteran.
Versatile Spielberg Shocks Hanks
As a revered Hollywood director, Steven Spielberg has dabbled in every possible genre without being confined to one. From riveting action thrillers to thought-provoking dramas and illuminating historical biopics, he’s displayed his prowess in films like Jaws, Schindler’s List, and the recent The Fabelmans.
An unforgettable partnership
In the realm of actor-director partnerships, Spielberg and Tom Hanks have left a remarkable imprint on the film industry. They’ve teamed up in five films and three mini-series, engaging audiences with stories that resonated on a global scale.
The Game-Changing Saving Private Ryan
A noteworthy collaboration between Hanks and Spielberg was the 1998 World War 2 drama, Saving Private Ryan. Here, Hanks plays Captain John Miller, in charge of a group of soldiers on a quest to find Private James Francis Ryan and bring him out of harm’s way. This film became a blockbuster, widely appreciated for its honest portrayal of war and the atrocities committed during the Holocaust period.
Chilling Scene Terrifies Hanks
Doubling down on disturbing moments, Spielberg conjured up an on-spot scene that was particularly harrowing even for experienced actor Tom Hanks. It followed a Jewish solider, Private Mellish, meeting a grim end at the hands of a German soldier. The heartbreaking scene represented a realistic moment of the war, shocking Hanks and serving as a chilling reminder of the history Spielberg has always been passionate about.
Spielberg’s Ancestral Tribute
Despite Spielberg’s clarification that the character’s Jewish origin was incidental, Hanks saw it as the director’s tribute to his ancestry. Hanks admired this gesture as an acknowledgement of Jewish soldiers’ bravery in circumstances of extreme adversity during WWII.
Box Office Success and Accolades
Saving Private Ryan emerged as the second most successful film in 1998 in terms of box office collections, following Armageddon. It added to Spielberg’s acclaim, winning him an Oscar for Best Director, among other distinguished awards.
Spielberg’s Father and Saving Private Ryan
Spielberg made Saving Private Ryan as a tribute to his father, Arnold Spielberg, a veteran of WWII. Despite some early estrangement due to his parents’ divorce, Spielberg credits his father for encouraging his filmmaking career and instilling a fascination for war-related themes reflected in many of his successful films.
You can now stream Saving Private Ryan on Apple TV and experience this historical masterpiece firsthand.
