Spielberg
Steven Spielberg is the most commercially successful director in the history of film. With blockbusters like E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, and Jaws, Spielberg has the wonderful knack of directing films that appeal to a wide range of movie-goers. As a producer, he has also lent his name to hits like Men in Black, Twister, and Back to the Future. While initially only known for fantasy/sci-fi and action/adventure fare, he has lately tackled more serious subject matter, resulting in the masterpieces, Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List. Love him or hate him, his films have dominated Hollywood for the past 25 years.
Saving Private Ryan
The most shattering film I have ever seen, nothing else comes close for sheer gut-wrenching intensity and mind-numbing emotion. The violence isn't spared; war is presented "as is". Shocking and hellish, yet ultimately heroic and human. Full review
Jaws
Spielberg's potential was realised when this adaptation of Peter Benchley's trashy novel became a huge hit during the summer of 1975. Though beset with troubles surrounding the mechanical shark and the watery shoot, the film earned $260m at the North American box office alone and earned Oscars for John Williams' well-known score and Verna Fields' editing. Full review.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Hard to believe that this classic was really a "relief" project for George Lucas and Spielberg, whilst they were developing Star Wars and ET respectively. Perfect adventure, with memorable hero, feisty heroine, nasty villains and cliffhanger action. Great John Williams score.
Schindler's List
Exhausting drama about the horrors of the Holocaust. Focuses on Oscar Schindler and his growing conscience as the Nazi purge of Jews intensifies, as well as Amon Goeth, the frightening camp commander who shoots Jews for sport. Brilliantly filmed.
Duel
The raw talent of a young Spielberg was already in evidence in this made-for-TV suspense thriller. The simple story of a man and his car against a semi-trailer on a lonely stretch of highway relied on Spielberg's expert touch to generate tension and emotion.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The third instalment in the popular trilogy is a sheer delight, with Indiana Jones versus the Nazis on the trail of the Holy Grail. The addition of Sean Connery as Indiana's father is an inspired move. Action is not as riveting, but still good. Contains more laughs than most comedies.
ET the Extra Terrestrial
Magical tale of benign alien accidentally left behind on Earth, and his friendship with a lonely boy. Perfect suburban atmosphere. Plenty of laughs, and plenty of emotion, backed by John Williams' score. Rousing bike chase finale.
Jurassic Park
The dinosaur film to end all dinosaur films. Genetic engineering has allowed the creation of extinct creatures. Human folly (and hubris) allows them to break free and run amok on proposed theme park island. Signature Spielberg suspense scenes. Full review.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
The second in the adventure trilogy is universally acknowledged as the weakest and darkest, but is probably the fastest-paced film ever made. Enough action and stunts for two movies, and contains a literal cliffhanger.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Spielberg's second box-office blockbuster postulates first meeting with intelligent (and benign) alien life. Richard Dreyfuss is average man who is drawn to the mysterious flying objects. Powerful John Williams music; great special effects.