A Master Contribution To Horror & Sci Fi (Happy Birthday Steven Spielberg)

Steven Spielberg is arguably the most diverse when it comes to the great modern directors and genres. Give him a film genre, and chances are he will make something great out of it. Whether it's popcorn fare like "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" to period political thrillers like "Munich" or period political dramas like "Lincoln," he has made classic films that will be with us for generations to come.
So on his birthday, I want to recognize the great Steven Spielberg and his contributions to the horror and science fiction genres. His first official feature was 1971's "Duel," a terrifying tale of a man being chased by an unseen driver. His third feature (and first theatrical release) was the now widely recognized classic film "Jaws," which kept many folks out of the waters in 1975.
And with that film started his legend. He would conquer the popcorn summer flick with films such as "Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom," "E.T.," and "Jurassic Park." He would also receive acclaim from more subdued dramatic fare like "The Color Purple," "Empire Of The Sun," and "Schindler's List," which would sweep at the Academy Awards and earn him his first directing Oscar.
But his contributions to horror and sci-fi are not to be taken lightly. "Jaws" is regularly ranked among the greatest horror films of all time, deservingly so. No other film that deals with the terrors of the ocean has become as iconic as this film.
And though "Jurassic Park" has become it's own spectacle among giant Hollywood blockbusters," it is indeed a terrifying ride, especially that first instant classic.
And along with "E.T.," his science fiction outings like "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind," "A.I. Artificial Intelligence," and "Minority Report." All spectacular entries into the science fiction world.
His overall filmography is among the greatest of any filmmaker that ever lived. Arguably the greatest. Whether you believe that will always be up to you. But respect must be shown for a career spanning five decades (and counting). Long live one of our great artists...Steven Spielberg.