The term legend is very much an overused one, especially in relation to anything in the creative field and even more so in the run-up to awards season. However, the use of the word is frankly almost compulsory when discussing iconic filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his latest movie, The Fablemans, is a fascinating addition to his canon, not least because it's semi-autobiographical in nature.
The movie, starring Michelle Williams and Paul Dano, picked up seven Academy Award nominations but failed to secure a single win. While this setback may cause consternation and frustration to many, it's unlikely to do so for Spielberg on account of the fact that the 76-year-old has previously won three Oscar statuettes in the past.
Now, therefore, seems as good a time as any to look back upon Spielberg's triumphant career by listing, in our opinion, his six best movies.
Schindler's List
The movie was very much a labor of love for Spielberg, and it was critically acclaimed, perhaps more so than any other film he's made. The personal project earned him two Oscars and is a masterclass in filmmaking and one that is frankly unforgettable.
There is, of course, the iconic scene of a young girl wearing a dark red jacket that stands out so vividly against the black and white backdrop of Nazi soldiers marching from all directions in a shot that almost looks like something you'd see in old stock footage clips is one that remains with you long after the film has ended.
The portrayal by Ralph Fiennes as a sadistic Nazi Amon Goth is equal parts horrific and mesmerizing. It's arguably the strongest performance on show, even more so than the captivating parts played by Liam Neeson and Ben Kingsley in this classic Holocaust movie.
Catch Me If You Can
In some ways, in the grand scheme of things and in the context of Spielberg's catalog, this one often gets overlooked; however, Catch Me If You Can has a large cult following and a film that impresses on many levels.
The dream team of Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Steven Spielberg delivers in a big way, and this thrilling comedy, covering real-life events, is a superb wholesome creation and one that earned Christopher Walken an Oscar nomination.
There is an innocence to the project that elevates it beyond being a 'true story' biopic, and the quality cast, including supporting acts of the caliber of Amy Adams and Martin Sheen, make this a definite on our list of Spielberg's best works.
Jaws
Clearly, this was the project that brought Spielberg to the fore, and it's a film that still holds up today in every way, from the build-up of tension and suspense to the performances of its leads, as well as to the special effects that still look pretty impressive decades later.
The human relationships that center around police chief Roy Schieder, marine biologist Richard Dreyfus, and wizened captain Robert Shaw are expertly built up, and this raises the stakes ahead of the dramatic final act.
It's unsurprising that this movie is used by film study professors to teach the fine arts of cinema; it's just a shame about the sequels, really.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Just the mere mention of this movie will no doubt lead to the famous theme tune ringing through your mind and subconscious. The opening Indiana Jones film, created by Steven's friend George Lucas, is now seen as the archetypal adventure movie, and it's an undisputed classic.
A thrill a minute ride that is expertly realized and virtually flawless. It's a movie that you'll continue watching if you stumble upon it, even though you've seen it a million times before, and the use of practical effects helps to make the whole production far larger and grander in scale.
Frankly, while we are eager to see how the latest installment of the franchise pans out, we'd kind of prefer if they'd just left it well alone after the excellent third piece of the original trilogy, The Last Crusade, but Hollywood is as Hollywood does.
Jurassic Park
Once again, Spielberg ventures into groundbreaking territory; this time, it's the use of CGI in ways that were previously unheard of that left audiences spellbound. But, as is the way with Steven Spielberg's best work, he never loses sight of the human factor.
It would have been easy to just push the special effects button and lose sight of the characters that hold together the narrative; thankfully, Spielberg does this expertly in ways that directors of the many subsequent sequels haven't even come close to replicating.
The Empire of the Sun
A little like in the case of Catch Me If You Can, The Empire of the Sun is often overlooked in terms of Spielberg's best movies, but it's a stunning work and one that is a lot more ambiguous than some of his other productions.
Christian Bale plays Jim, a spoilt upper-class boy who loses his parents as Japan begins its invasion of China. We chart his fight for survival and the characters he meets, as well as the way these incidents and relationships shame his adolescence.
It's a tough watch that perfectly encapsulates the idea of the loss of innocence but was something of a failure at the box office but is nonetheless a remarkable movie by a director who was beginning to better hone his craft.
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