Jaws, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List we all know and appreciate. But among director Steven Spielberg’s 34 films, back in theaters this week with his 7 Oscar-nominated and autobiographical The Fablemans, there are so many pearls that we sometimes forget. Five titles by the master that deserve to be seen again.
Duel (1971)
A businessman (actor Dennis Weaver) is chased by an old tanker truck with an invisible driver for almost the entire running time. Spielberg was only 23 years old when he made this exciting ‘monster movie’ and pulls off all the camera tricks that were in him. A kind of finger exercise for Jaws (1975). Or ‘Jaws on wheels, if you will. On display at Pathé Thuis.
AI Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Spielberg finished what director Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey) once initiated: a grim science fiction fairy tale about a robot boy who is discarded by his parents. Artificial intelligence is the hero in this film and shows more humane behavior than the human creators. Can be seen on SkyShowtime and Pathé Thuis.
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
The unbelievable, but true story of young master trickster Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), who in the 1960s pretended to be a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer, among other things. Ultimately, like many of Spielberg’s works, it is about the longing for family warmth. Available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Minority Report (2002)
What if technology can predict that a crime will be committed? And what if the figurehead (Tom Cruise) of this technique sees to his astonishment that he too will commit a murder in the near future? Explores many ethical issues, but is also just plain thrilling. Available on Amazon Prime Video and SkyShowtime.
Munich (2005)
After the murder of Israeli athletes during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, a manhunt by Mossad agents follows for the perpetrators. Spielberg does not support the Palestinians or the Israelis, but focuses on the vicious circle of revenge. Can be seen on Apple and Pathé Thuis.
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