Steven Spielberg
...His next film, Duel, was good enough to be considered his first unique classic. He then directed his first feature film called the Sugarland Express. Though each of these brought Spielberg increasing recognition, it was his next movie that made him an international superstar. The movie that accomplished this was Jaws. This movie had such an impact on the industry it created a whole new trend, the summer blockbuster. According to Box Office Records, Jaws only opened in 409 theaters but managed to gross 7,061,513 dollars upon its opening and a lifetime total of 260,000,000 dollars in the US alone. Worldwide Jaws quickly made approximately 470,653,000 dollars. This hit was so powerful; it made people think twice before going back into the water. Known as Hollywood’s top director, Spielberg immediately took the opportunity to make a real sci-fi movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The efforts that Spielberg put forth into this unique and very original UFO story made this movie a cult classic. Spielberg showed his ability to be a versatile director by going from sci-fi to comedy to action-adventure. However, it was not until he yet again returned to the sci-fi genre with E.T. that he got his next big hit. E.T was the highest grossing film of that time making 11,835,389 when it opened. Through this movie, Spielberg made money and advertising a major factor of the film industry by being the first to use product placement by using Rieces Pieces. Because of Spielberg, product placement has now become a common practice in most film productions. To prove that he was more than simply breathtaking effects, like in Jurassic Park, Spielberg showed off his serious side through movies such as Schindler’s List, and Saving Private Ryan. These brought him to his first academy awards; Best Director and Picture for Schindler’s List, as well as Best Director Oscar fo...