Steven Spielberg Unusual Habit
Steven Spielberg, the acclaimed director behind classics like Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Schindler’s List, has an unusual habit: he rarely watches his own films after their release. In interviews, Spielberg has explained that he prefers to focus on future projects rather than dwell on past achievements. He stated, “I don’t look back a lot. That’s why I don’t sit down and look at my movies on a movie screen after I’ve made them.”
The Exception: ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’
Despite his general reluctance, Spielberg makes an exception for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. He enjoys sharing this film with his grandchildren, guiding them through the experience and offering reassurance during intense scenes. Spielberg mentioned, “I’ll show my grandkids E.T. for the first time. I’ll sit next to them and tell them, ‘He doesn’t really die.’ And, ‘It’s only scary for a little while and then you grow to love him.'”
A Focus on the Future
Spielberg’s avoidance of his past works stems from a desire to keep moving forward. He explained, “I’m really too busy, both in my private life and in my professional life, to have a lot of time to dwell on success or failure.” This forward-thinking approach allows him to continually innovate and take on new challenges in filmmaking.
A Personal Perspective
For Spielberg, watching his own films can be an uncomfortable experience. He admitted that sometimes, when he does revisit a movie, he might turn it off after a few minutes. This discomfort likely arises from his critical eye and the desire to improve upon his work, which can make revisiting past projects less enjoyable.
In summary, Steven Spielberg’s choice to avoid watching his own movies reflects his commitment to personal and professional growth. By focusing on future endeavors and maintaining a forward-looking perspective, he continues to be a leading figure in the film industry.
