How George Lucas Contributed to the Best Year of Steven Spielberg’s Career

1993 marked a pivotal moment in Steven Spielberg’s illustrious career, as he directed two iconic films, Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List. However, the journey to creating these cinematic masterpieces began a decade earlier, rooted in Spielberg’s reflections following the success of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Initially hesitant to adapt the harrowing tale of Schindler’s List, Spielberg doubted his maturity and skill to tackle such significant subject matter, both morally and cinematically (source: THR). However, after years of evolving as a filmmaker and witnessing the disturbing rise of Holocaust denialism, he felt compelled to tell this story.

Universal Pictures agreed to produce both films, packaging them together, which serendipitously meant that Jurassic Park played a crucial role in bringing Schindler’s List to fruition. Despite the studio’s initial reservations about Spielberg balancing the post-production duties of Jurassic Park with the pre-production of Schindler’s List, Spielberg’s ingenuity shone through. He brokered a private agreement with his long-time collaborator, George Lucas, ensuring that neither project would suffer.

The Significant Influence of George Lucas on Jurassic Park

Lucas Assumes Control of Jurassic Park’s Post-Production

With Spielberg ensuring the production of Schindler’s List in Eastern Europe, the challenge lay in finishing post-production for Jurassic Park. Universal’s priority leaned heavily towards Jurassic Park, anticipating its potential as a summer blockbuster, while Schindler’s List stood as a more serious, riskier endeavor. Ultimately, Spielberg managed to convince the studio of his ability to oversee the mixing remotely, while securing Lucas’s assistance to alleviate concerns.

“I said, ‘George, I’m in trouble. The studio’s really upset with me that I’m going to not mix Jurassic Park and go off to Europe and make Schindler’s List. Would you mix Jurassic Park?’ I already had his mixers working on the film, so George said he’d take over. And he and Kathy Kennedy mixed the film.” (source: THR)

Thanks to this collaboration, Spielberg relocated to the actual sites of the events depicted in Schindler’s List, while Lucas efficiently managed the mixing, score, and color corrections for Jurassic Park with the help of Kathy Kennedy. This seamless partnership between two titans of the film industry ensured both projects reached their maximum potential.

1993: An Unforgettable Year in Spielberg’s Career

Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List: Cornerstones of Cinematic History

Directing both Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List in the same year exemplified an extraordinary accomplishment for Spielberg. Jurassic Park not only lived up to high expectations but ultimately surpassed them, breaking the box office record previously held by E.T. Meanwhile, Schindler’s List delivered a gut-wrenching yet essential narrative that also performed exceptionally well during awards season, earning multiple Oscars. Spielberg himself regards Schindler’s List as his finest film, a sentiment that resonates in its enduring recognition as a vital portrayal of World War II history.

In conclusion, both Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List delivered exceptional accomplishments that year, exceeding already high expectations. Spielberg’s diverse portfolio, spanning various genres, showcases his unique ability to weave impactful narratives. However, the rare feat of producing two significantly different yet critically acclaimed films in one year not only solidifies Spielberg’s legacy but also highlights the enduring power of storytelling in cinema.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter

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