For over 5 decades, Steven Spielberg has blessed the world with many attention-grabbing movies. From Schindler’s List to E.T., Catch Me If You Can, and more, the 77-year-old has proved to be one of the best directors in the film industry. As a prominent figure in Hollywood and an advocate for Jewish culture, he has been rather open about his experiences with antisemitism since his childhood days.
However, it was not until Spielberg decided to create his semi-autobiographical film, The Fabelmans, that his own experiences were brought to light. With the 2022 film being loosely based on his own childhood, fans got more insight into the mind of the creative.
Steven Spielberg reveals where he faced antisemitism
Over the years, Steven Spielberg has played with Jewish themes and topics in his films like Schindler’s List and Munich. However, it was not until the Covid-19 pandemic hit that the director decided to turn parts of his story into film. A week ahead of the release of The Fabelmans, which focused on the Jewish American experience, the 77-year-old ended up revealing to The New York Times, where he was forced to face antisemitism like never before.
I didn’t experience antisemitism growing up in Arizona, but I had a major experience with it completing high school in Northern California.
Spielberg continued, “Friends would always call me by my last name. So, the sound of Jewishness always rang in my ear when my friends would call across the hallway, ‘Hey Spielberg,’ and I was very self-conscious about that.” The filmmaker went on to explain, “Being Jewish in America is not the same as being Jewish in Hollywood.”
Although Spielberg may have been loved in Hollywood, he was not always comfortable with his Jewish roots being aired to everyone around him. However, with his 2022 project, the director was able to delve into the depths of the Jewish community and shine a light on the problems they faced.
How did Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans fare?
In 2022, Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival. It ended up garnering widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. After all, the movie focused on Spielberg’s childhood and experiences as a Jewish American. After its premiere, the film received praise for its heartfelt storytelling, exceptional performances from Michelle Williams and Paul Dano, and its nostalgic homage to cinema.
Critics went on to claim that the film’s exploration of the family dynamics in a Jewish household and the formative power of art had resonated with viewers. With such praise rolling in, the film ended a standout in Spielberg’s illustrious career. However, its box office reviews did not fare as well.
In fact, Spielberg’s The Fabelmans experienced a rather modest box office run compared to some of the director’s other blockbuster hits. According to reports from Box Office Mojo, the semi-autobiography only brought in $45 million on its worldwide opening. However, it left a lasting impact on those who took the time to watch it and even secured multiple nominations at the Academy Awards and even the Golden Globes.
Stream Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans on Amazon Prime Video.
