Steven Spielberg's latest film, Disclosure Day, has hit cinemas today and is already proving to be one of the most divisive movies of the year. Critics are sharply split, with some hailing it as a triumphant blockbuster while others dismiss it as a lukewarm dud. This polarising reaction is not unfamiliar territory for the legendary director, who has a history of films that sparked debate among audiences and critics alike.
Spielberg's Polarising Filmography
Spielberg has directed over 35 films, including iconic successes like E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (99% on Rotten Tomatoes), Schindler's List (98%), and Jaws (97%). However, not all his films have been universally praised. Here are some of his most polarising movies:
1941 (1979)
Following the triumphs of Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Spielberg's war-comedy 1941 was a critical disappointment. Set days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the film depicts the panic in Los Angeles and is loosely based on the Great Los Angeles Air Raid. It holds a mere 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest of any Spielberg film on the site. Despite poor reviews, it was a box office success, earning over $90 million against a $30 million budget.
West Side Story (2021)
In stark contrast, West Side Story received widespread critical acclaim, with a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics praised it as a fresh take on the classic musical that rivals its predecessor. However, the film was a box office flop, grossing only $76 million worldwide against a $100 million budget, partly due to the pandemic and declining interest in musicals.
The Fabelmans (2022)
This semi-autobiographical coming-of-age drama earned Spielberg seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, and a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score. Yet it underperformed at the box office, making just $44 million globally against a $40 million budget, leading some to label it a commercial disappointment.
The Terminal (2004)
Starring Tom Hanks, this comedy-drama was inspired by the true story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived in a Paris airport terminal. While it grossed over $219 million worldwide against a $60 million budget, it received a lukewarm 61% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Critics noted its farcical elements but praised its crowd-pleasing message and Hanks' performance.
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
The sequel to Jurassic Park earned a 57% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics and fans feeling it failed to capture the magic of the original. Despite this, it was a box office juggernaut, earning over $618 million against a $74 million budget. Spielberg himself admitted the film was inferior to its predecessor, citing overconfidence.
The BFG (2016)
Based on Roald Dahl's beloved book, The BFG received a 74% Rotten Tomatoes score and was praised for its visual effects and family-friendly adventure. However, it was a box office disappointment, grossing only $195 million against a $140 million budget, and was considered one of Spielberg's biggest flops in North America.
With Disclosure Day now polarising audiences, Spielberg continues to prove that even legendary directors can spark heated debate.
