Steven Spielberg'S Sage Advice: Keep Your Feet On The Ground, Even When Soaring High

Spielberg Shares Filmmaking Wisdom with Rising Horror Stars

Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg is dishing out some golden words of wisdom to two of the horror genre's rising stars. Sharing space on a recent episode of The Rest Is Entertainment, Spielberg offered his hard-earned insights to Curry Barker, the 26-year-old mastermind behind the hit film 'Obsession', and Kane Parsons, the 20-year-old director of the runaway success 'Backrooms'. Reflecting on his own early career triumph with 'Jaws', Spielberg emphasized the importance of staying humble amidst overwhelming success.

“Don’t let success go to your heads,” Spielberg advised. “Do not let wild success go to your heads, because when you make your next movie, you’re starting from scratch.”

A Humble Reminder from a Hollywood Icon

Spielberg, who knows a thing or two about blockbuster hits, noted how crucial it is to start each project with fresh zeal. “It’s always good to have a big hit to shore up your reputation, and you’re going to get a lot of respect from executives, from the film world and from the studios,” he elaborated. Yet, he made it clear – no film journey begins without starting over, regardless of past victories. Spielberg’s message resonated, not just because of his storied career, but because it’s advice he personally had to learn the hard way.

Big Box Office Wins for 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms'

Both 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms' have been box office sensations. 'Obsession', which hit theaters on May 15, has achieved an astonishing $238.7 million globally, sky-rocketing it to the top as the highest-grossing festival acquisition at Toronto International Film Festival and Focus Features’ most successful film ever. Meanwhile, 'Backrooms', released on May 29, amassed $220.6 million worldwide, marking it as A24’s top-grossing movie in North America.

The young directors' critical acclaim is evident with 'Obsession' boasting a 94 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, while 'Backrooms' holds a solid 88 percent. Following Spielberg's remarks, Barker shared his disbelief and excitement, expressing gratitude for Spielberg's praise, "I can’t believe it," he gushed.

Both directors are surely feeling the weight of Spielberg’s legendary shadow, but with such sage advice, their futures seem brighter than ever.