Spielberg Secrets: Top 10 Behind-the-Scenes Movie Facts

Steven Spielberg, a name synonymous with cinematic brilliance, faced his share of challenges growing up. Battling school bullies and dyslexia, he found solace in filmmaking, a passion nurtured by his mother. His early short film, ‘Amblin,’ paved the way for a monumental career, grossing over $10 billion. Let’s dive into 10 fascinating behind-the-scenes facts from his iconic movies.

10. Raiders’ Crew: An Unforeseen Ailment

The chaotic chase scene in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ was filmed in Tunisia, where a severe bout of food poisoning afflicted the cast and crew. John Rhys-Davies humorously recalled an incident where his character’s scene was disrupted by his own explosive diarrhea. Harrison Ford, also suffering, suggested a quicker resolution to a fight scene: “Steven, why don’t we just shoot the son-of-a-bitch?” Spielberg avoided the illness by stocking up on canned Spaghetti-O’s before filming.

9. E.T.’s Dark Sequel That Never Was

Following the massive success of ‘E.T.,’ a darker sequel titled ‘Nocturnal Fears’ was conceived. The story involved evil, dagger-wielding aliens abducting Elliott and his friends, prompting E.T. to embark on a rescue mission. Spielberg ultimately scrapped the project, feeling the story had nowhere else to go. However, the story lived on in a Christmas ad, with Spielberg’s blessing and guidance.

8. Schindler’s List: A Salary Refused

Spielberg directed ‘Schindler’s List,’ a powerful story about Oskar Schindler’s efforts to save Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Believing the public wasn’t ready for such a film, Spielberg didn’t accept a salary, considering it “blood money.” He donated his earnings to Jewish organizations. Studio executives allowed Spielberg complete control over the film, but only on the condition that he would direct Jurassic Park.

7. Jurassic Park’s T-Rex: A Technical Nightmare

Creating the iconic T-Rex for ‘Jurassic Park’ was no easy feat. The six-ton animatronic was prone to malfunctions, especially when Spielberg decided to film in the rain. The foam-rubber skin absorbed water, causing the machine to shudder erratically. According to producer Kathleen Kennedy, the rain messed with the hydraulics, causing the T-Rex to move on its own, leading to unexpected and startling moments on set.

6. Saving Private Ryan: Intense Preparation

The opening Omaha Beach sequence in ‘Saving Private Ryan’ required extensive preparation and resources. Real landing ships and WWII vessels were used, and the cast underwent a grueling six-day boot camp led by Captain Dale Dye. Actors endured freezing conditions, war-era rations, and heavy gear. Tom Hanks and Captain Dye convinced the initially reluctant actors to persevere, emphasizing the importance of honoring those they were representing.

5. Jaws: A Production Riddled with Problems

The production of ‘Jaws’ was plagued with technical difficulties and delays, earning it the nickname “Flaws.” Mechanical sharks constantly malfunctioned, sea salt damaged the animatronics, and the budget tripled. Spielberg even heard rumors his career was over. Creative solutions, such as alluding to the shark’s presence and using real sharks, saved the film, turning it into a massive success.

4. Close Encounters: The Orangutan Alien

For ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind,’ Spielberg initially wanted an orangutan in an E.T. suit to create otherworldly movements. The crew dressed an orangutan in spandex and an alien mask, attempting to have it roller skate down a ramp. The orangutan refused to cooperate, tearing off the mask and going backwards. Spielberg compromised by using children in alien costumes and sophisticated animatronics.

3. Munich: A Prime Minister in Disguise

Spielberg’s ‘Munich’ features a scene where Israeli commandos, led by a disguised Ehud Barak, assassinate those responsible for the Munich massacre. The film depicts Barak in women’s clothing, which actually happened. Barak, who later became Prime Minister of Israel, even practiced cross-dressing for the mission, surprising his wife with his makeup.

2. Hook: The Infamous Tinker Hell

Julia Roberts, playing Tinker Bell in ‘Hook,’ earned the nickname “Tinker Hell” due to personal turmoil and on-set antics. Insiders claimed Roberts became isolated, and Spielberg considered replacing her. After filming, Spielberg commented on Roberts’s difficult time, leading to a strained relationship, with Roberts calling him a “turncoat.”

1. Twilight Zone: A Tragic Accident

The set of ‘Twilight Zone: The Movie’ was marred by a tragic accident during the filming of ‘Time Out.’ A helicopter crash killed actor Vic Morrow and two child actors. The incident led to significant changes in movie industry safety regulations and a media backlash. Spielberg, deeply affected, distanced himself from director John Landis, stating, “No movie is worth dying for.”

Spielberg’s filmography is filled with captivating stories and behind-the-scenes drama. From technical mishaps to personal struggles, these facts offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of creating cinematic masterpieces.

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