Steven Spielberg on Aliens, Filmmaking, and Never Quitting
During a captivating keynote appearance at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg shared his perspectives on everything from the existence of extraterrestrial life to the future of cinema. The 79-year-old director, known for iconic films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to storytelling: “I never want to quit.”
Does Spielberg Believe in Aliens?
Asked directly about his belief in aliens, Spielberg responded with a thoughtful consideration. “I don’t know any more than any of you do, but I have a very strong suspicion that we are not alone here on Earth right now — and I made a movie about that,” he stated, referencing his upcoming film, Disclosure Day. He noted that former President Barack Obama’s recent comments about the reality of aliens resonated with him, particularly as it relates to his new project.
Spielberg elaborated, “When I heard former President Barack Obama’s recent viral comment that aliens are ‘real,’ my first thought was, ‘Oh, my God, this is so great for Disclosure Day!’” He continued, emphasizing the importance of considering the possibility of intelligent life beyond Earth, stating, “No one should ever think that we are the only intelligent civilization in the entire universe.”
‘Disclosure Day’ and the Pursuit of UFO Lore
The filmmaker revealed that he was “reinvigorated” into revisiting the UFO theme by The New York Times’ 2017 story about a secret government program tracking unidentified flying objects, as well as recent congressional hearings featuring government whistleblowers. Despite his fascination with the subject, Spielberg confessed he’s never personally encountered a UFO – a fact he finds somewhat frustrating. “I made a movie called Close Encounters of the Third Kind — I haven’t even had a close encounter of the first or second kind!” he joked.
Spielberg also addressed the potential societal impact of confirming the existence of extraterrestrial life. “I’m not afraid of any aliens,” he assured the audience. “I think our movie does take into consideration that social dislocation that could occur. If it was announced there is interaction [with aliens] that have been going on for decades, it’s going to cause a disruption in a lot of belief systems. But I don’t think it is a lethal disruption at all.”
A Defense of the Cinematic Experience
Beyond the topic of aliens, Spielberg passionately defended the value of the moviegoing experience. He argued that the communal aspect of watching a film in a theater is irreplaceable. “If we’re just not making the same sequel over and over and over again, and it’s not the same Marvel title over and over and over again, we all get a real chance to experience something which is precious,” he said. He highlighted the unique power of a shared emotional experience in a darkened theater, contrasting it with the solitary nature of watching content at home. He acknowledged Netflix as a valuable partner but emphasized the irreplaceable magic of the big screen.
Reflections on Past and Future Projects
Spielberg also reminisced about the challenges he faced in getting Close Encounters of the Third Kind made, noting that it was initially dismissed as fringe science and mythology. He shared his desire to direct a Western, promising a project that would avoid clichés and stereotypes. He also revealed his annual re-watching of Lawrence of Arabia, citing it as a humbling reminder of the heights of cinematic achievement.
When asked about an underrated film in his filmography, Spielberg pointed to Always (1989). He also discussed his improvisational approach to filmmaking, revealing that he didn’t use storyboards for Schindler’s List or Saving Private Ryan, preferring to embrace the possibilities that arise on set.
No Retirement in Sight
Ultimately, Spielberg made it clear that he has no intention of slowing down. “I never want to quit,” he declared, reaffirming his lifelong passion for filmmaking.
Disclosure Day, starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colin Firth, is set to release on June 12th. The film explores a world grappling with the revelation of undeniable proof of alien existence. The film is part of a growing trend of serious explorations into UFO lore, sparked by recent government disclosures.
