Steven Spielberg, the legendary filmmaker, has a story to tell about his early career that involves a legendary director and a brush with the law. In a recent interview, Spielberg recounted a tale of his attempt to meet Alfred Hitchcock, only to be kicked off the set of one of Hitchcock's films. This incident, while seemingly minor, provides a fascinating insight into the early days of Spielberg's career and the challenges he faced as a young filmmaker.
A Brush with Authority
Spielberg, already a rising star in the industry, tried to visit the set of Hitchcock's 1976 thriller "Family Plot." Despite his success with "Jaws," which reshaped the box office, and his growing reputation, Hitchcock was not interested in meeting the young director. Spielberg, in his typical style, decided to take matters into his own hands and walk onto the set, hoping to catch a glimpse of his idol. However, this bold move did not go unnoticed, and he was promptly thrown off the set by an assistant director.
"I walked onto the Hitchcock stage, and there was Hitchcock with his back to me in a director's chair, and the cameras were on both sides. One camera and all the lights, and they were shooting something in this direction, and there was no way for him to know I was there," Spielberg recalled. "Or so I thought. Hitchcock made a gesture with his hand, and an assistant director came running over, and Hitchcock went like this and whispered something to the AD, and the AD turned and looked right at me, walked right over and said, 'You have to leave.'"
This incident, while seemingly minor, raises a deeper question about the power dynamics in the film industry. Spielberg, despite his success, was still treated as an outsider by Hitchcock, who was already a veteran director with a reputation for being difficult to work with. This highlights the challenges that young filmmakers face when trying to break into the industry and the importance of networking and building relationships with established figures.
A Lost Opportunity
The fact that Spielberg was kicked off the set of "Family Plot" is particularly interesting given the influence that Hitchcock had on Spielberg's work. Spielberg has often cited Hitchcock as an influence, and it is clear that he was a fan of Hitchcock's work. The fact that he was unable to meet Hitchcock in person is a lost opportunity for both men. Hitchcock, who was already a veteran director, may have been able to offer Spielberg valuable insights and advice, and Spielberg may have been able to gain a deeper understanding of Hitchcock's work and approach to filmmaking.
A Lesson in Modesty
The incident also serves as a lesson in modesty and respect for the industry. Spielberg, despite his success, was still a young and relatively unknown director, and his attempt to bypass the proper channels to meet Hitchcock was a mistake. It is important for young filmmakers to understand the importance of building relationships and networking with established figures in the industry, rather than trying to cut corners or bypass the proper channels. This is a valuable lesson that Spielberg has likely learned from this experience.
A Legacy of Innovation
Despite the setback, Spielberg went on to have a highly successful career, becoming the highest-grossing director in box office history. His work has had a profound impact on the film industry, and his influence can be seen in the work of countless other filmmakers. Spielberg's ability to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in cinema is a testament to his talent and vision, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers to come.
In conclusion, the incident of Spielberg being kicked off the set of "Family Plot" is a fascinating insight into the early days of his career and the challenges he faced as a young filmmaker. It highlights the importance of networking and building relationships with established figures in the industry, and serves as a reminder of the value of modesty and respect for the craft. Despite the setback, Spielberg went on to have a highly successful career, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers to come.
