Steven Spielberg stands as a cinematic legend, renowned for his plethora of unforgettable movies that have ignited the imagination of audiences, including classics like Jaws, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park. Even as he attains the status of an icon, his openness in applauding and acknowledging emerging filmmakers for their pioneering endeavors remains unwavering.
It reflects his genuine admiration for diverse creative expressions. In a recent instance, he personally connected with the showrunner of The Last of Us, expressing his response to the emotionally impactful Bill and Frank episode that left audiences heartbroken.
Steven Spielberg Congratulated Craig Mazin For His Work
During a recent conversation with THR, Craig Mazin, one of the minds behind the dystopian HBO series, divulged that among the enthusiasts of The Last of Us, Steven Spielberg was notably captivated by the standalone episode titled Long, Long Time. According to Mazin, the maestro behind E.T. reached out via email subsequent to the episode’s broadcast, conveying his profound affection for both the series as a whole and the emotionally piercing standout episode. Mazin went on to share:
“Steven Spielberg sent an email about episode three [the acclaimed ‘Long, Long Time,’ focusing on a survivor couple played by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett]. He was so complimentary about the whole show, but that episode in particular. It was so lovely, and I shared it with all the folks who worked on the show.”
Spielberg’s own forays into dystopian landscapes, as witnessed in films such as Minority Report and Ready Player One, could have drawn him to The Last of Us due to its premise. In alignment with much of Spielberg’s cinematic endeavors, the series initiates with an ambitious genre-driven narrative, yet its core emphasis centers on the poignant bonds shared between its characters rather than merely accentuating the violence inherent in the source material.
What Drew Steven Spielberg To That Episode
The particular episode that caught Spielberg’s attention revolves around the intertwined lives of a pair, portrayed by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, named Bill and Frank. Their serendipitous encounter takes place amidst the harrowing backdrop of a fungal pandemic, and over the span of years within the episode, they nurture a deepening affection for one another. Regrettably, the narrative arc of Long Long Time culminates in heartrending sorrow, as the tides of fate deliver illness to one of the characters, compelling the other to make the poignant decision to share in their final moments.
This episode possesses a distinct quality of divergence from the central storyline. It ventures into the lives of characters whose presence doesn’t extend into subsequent episodes, thus establishing a unique narrative tangent. The emotional resonance it carries is notably somber, evoking a cascade of tears on my part. It’s truly heartening to learn that Spielberg also underwent a similar emotional journey, affirming that I’m not solitary in experiencing the poignant sorrow elicited by this exquisitely tragic love saga.
The Last of Us is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Source: Cinemablend
