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19 June 2026

Delving into Steven Spielberg’s underrated films with Bilge Ebiri

Embark on a journey through Steven Spielberg's filmography, uncovering hidden gems and discussing their significance with renowned writer Bilge Ebiri.

Delving into Steven Spielberg's underrated films with Bilge Ebiri

Steven Spielberg is a name synonymous with cinematic excellence. His blockbusters have shaped generations, but what about the films that don’t always get the spotlight? Today, we’re diving into the B-sides of Spielberg’s impressive career, the movies that often get overshadowed by his more famous works.

We’re thrilled to have Bilge Ebirian acclaimed writer and Spielberg enthusiast, join us. Bilge has recently published The Raider of a Lost Artan oral history about Spielberg, coinciding with the release of his new film Disclosure Day. He’s also shared his insights on Spielberg with The Film Stage in the past.

Spielberg’s early struggles and triumphs

Our journey begins with 1941a film that marked Spielberg’s early career and was plagued by production challenges. We’ll discuss how this period shaped Spielberg’s approach to filmmaking and set the stage for his future successes. Bilge shares his perspective on this often-overlooked film and its place in Spielberg’s filmography.

The 1980s saw Spielberg reach new heights with a string of hits. We’ll explore how this decade became a launching pad for some of his most iconic works and discuss the impact of these films on popular culture. Bilge provides valuable insights into Spielberg’s creative process during this prolific period.

The enigma of Hook and the power of Amistad

Hooka film often labeled as a successful failureis a fascinating subject of discussion. We delve into why Bilge has a soft spot for this unique take on the Peter Pan mythos and what makes it a standout in Spielberg’s career. The conversation also touches on the underrated gem that is Amistada film that combines historical drama with Spielberg’s signature storytelling prowess.

We can’t forget the millennium run of films that cemented Spielberg’s legacy. From Saving Private Ryan to Munichwe celebrate the incredible body of work that Spielberg delivered during this period. Bilge shares his thoughts on what makes these films so special and their enduring impact on cinema.

Celebrating the genius of John Milius and the magic of Tintin

Our discussion wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the genius of John Miliusa collaborator who played a significant role in shaping some of Spielberg’s most memorable works. We explore the dynamic between these two visionary filmmakers and their combined influence on Hollywood.

Finally, we turn our attention to The Adventures of Tintina film that showcases Spielberg’s ability to innovate. We marvel at the impossible camera techniques that bring this beloved comic to life and discuss why this film is a testament to Spielberg’s enduring creativity.

Join us for this enlightening conversation about the lesser-known aspects of Steven Spielberg’s extraordinary career. Don’t forget to follow us on Bluesky at @tfsbside.bsky.social for more engaging discussions on cinema.

Author

Florence Wright

Florence Wright, Glasgow native with an editorial-minimal aesthetic, rerouted a social feed to live-cover a Pollok Park remembrance event, prioritising human detail over algorithmic reach. Promotes clarity, humane framing and local resonance; keeps an archive of Polaroids from neighbourhood gatherings as a personal emblem.