Steven Spielberg Reveals the Movie He Believes Was a Major Miracle

When Lawrence of Arabia first hit theaters in 1962, it became a legend almost overnight. This grand story of T.E. Lawrence and his internal tug-of-war between his British roots and his loyalty to the Arab people changed the way movies were made. Steven Spielberg was only fifteen years old at the time, but the film made such a massive impact on him that it effectively launched his own dreams of becoming a director.

The legendary filmmaker later admitted to the American Film Institute that Lawrence of Arabia was the film that set me on my journey. He described the movie as a miracle of production, especially since every breathtaking moment was achieved without the help of modern computer technology. He joked that back then, the term CGI probably meant something else entirely because it certainly wasn’t about digital effects.

Spielberg recalled being deeply moved by the film’s scope and the technical perfection of every scene. He found himself fascinated by the smaller details, like camel tracks in the sand during a wide shot. He would often find himself wondering about the logistics, asking, where was take two? If that was take five, how many days ago was take one? These technical curiosities are what first made him want to learn the secrets of how movies were constructed.

One of the most iconic moments for him was the desert mirage where Omar Sharif appears in the distance. While a modern director might use digital tricks for such a shot, Spielberg marveled at the fact that they captured it for real using an 800-millimetre lens. He was equally impressed by David Lean’s ability to balance massive spectacles with deeply personal, intimate portraits of the characters.

He credited Lean’s storytelling style for teaching him how to make an audience feel close to a character’s internal struggle. For Spielberg, the way the movie managed to handle both the grand attack on Aqaba and the quiet, survival moments of its hero was what got me excited about making movies someday.

As we enter this year, the legendary director is showing no signs of slowing down his own cinematic journey. Spielberg is currently finalizing his highly anticipated return to the science fiction genre with the film Disclosure Day, which is officially set to hit theaters on June 12. This project marks a major reunion with screenwriter David Koepp, who previously collaborated with Spielberg on blockbusters like Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds.

Beyond his directorial duties, Spielberg has remained active as a producer, recently overseeing the development of several high-profile streaming series and the upcoming Thursday Murder Club film. He was also spotted earlier this month at the Golden Globes, where he was celebrated for his enduring influence on the industry. Even at 79, he continues to push the limits of storytelling, much like the movies that first inspired him as a teenager.

Do you think a modern film could ever achieve the same “miracle” status as Lawrence of Arabia without relying on digital effects? Share your thoughts in the comments.