Spielberg: How to Introduce Characters
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- A look into director Steven Spielberg's entire filmography, examining how he effectively introduces memorable characters through use of Action & Fraction.
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Twitter: @entertaintheelk
Instagram: @adamtinius
Website - www.entertaintheelk.com
FILMS IN THIS VIDEO:
The Adventures of Tintin
A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
The Dark Knight
Duel
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Hook
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Jaws
Jurassic Park
Kramer vs. Kramer
Minority Report
No Country for Old Men
Psycho
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Saving Private Ryan
Schindler’s List
Scream
War of the Worlds
MISC. MEDIA IN THIS VIDEO:
Futurama - "The Devil's Hands are Idle Playthings"
Bridge of Spies - Behind the Scenes B-Roll
MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
Black Heat by Ross Bugden - Music is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Link: • ♩♫ Intense and Upbeat ...
New York, 1924 by Ross Bugden - Music is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Link: • ♩♫ Upbeat Jazz Music ♪...
Read in an interview once where Spielberg said he considered the last 10 minutes of E.T. his greatest work as a director. And I have to agree.
I agree too, but I’d say 15 minutes. The last 15 has one piece of music conducted by John Williams uninterrupted. It’s cinema at its finest.
@@KevyNova Fun fact: Spielberg told Williams to turn off the projector for the last sequence and just conduct the orchestra. He later went back and reedited the end of the film to the music-the result is the ballet like movement of the scene and the perfect marriage of picture and music.
@@johncaudill9782 yup! I’ve seen Williams perform the entire piece with a giant movie screen behind the orchestra showing the final 15 minutes of the film. Spielberg came out and told that story.
Crazy thing about this video was I saw every one of spielberg's movies as a kid and didnt know nothing about film and my heart was still throbbing watching those scenes again as an adult. I never really thought of his way of introduction to a character. Thank you for this video! Jurassic Park still makes me hold my breathe when you see the water and the thunder from the T-rex approaching.
So glad you enjoyed the video! :)
"For example in Scream, all fear vanishes once the killer's mask comes off and we find they're just boys underneath."
EXACTLY the reason why I don't consider Kylo Ren scary at all in The Force Awakens.
Yeah this happens a lot of time in horror movies, I think Signs has one of the best villain introduced just like Jaws has
Plus, he's just too handsome to be scary. Also: Logan Lucky
That last part sounds pretty argumentative.
I heard the elk sound and freaked out, was not expecting a velociraptor.
Serio _0 I gotta keep you guys on your toes!! ;)
I think real Elk callings are way scarier than the sounds they use for Raptors in Jurassic Park
Excellent stuff! Spielberg is the man, no doubt about it. I'd say my favorite is Raiders, followed very closely by Jaws and Close Encounters.
Film Radar Thanks! I still haven't seen Close Encounters all the way through. I've loved the bits I've seen.
Sorry, but I gotta go with JAWS first, then RAIDERS.
Close Encounter number one for me but he's had so many great movies
It's a tie between Jaws and E.T. for me. With Raiders and Close Encounters in the top 4
Film Radar Raiders is one of the most beautifully directed films of all time.
Particularly liked your highlighting of Spielberg's use of what you call "fraction". There's an interesting use of it in Munich, not an object but an event, the massacre that looms over the characters, the full horror of which is gradually revealed throughout the film. Probably in the minority, but films from that era of Spielberg loom large in the memory for me. A.I. and Catch Me If You Can especially. Films where he blended the popcorn and "mature" sides of his film psyche. Plus I feel his relationship with Janusz Kamiński really blossomed in this period - whose cinematography I prefer over the DPs he worked with prior (except Vilmos Zsigmond).
Vilmos was a genius.
Interesting. I much prefer Spielberg's work with cinematographers like Douglas Slocombe, Allen Daviau and Vilmos Zsigmond to Janusz Kamiński. Compare the first three Indy films to the fourth. They are earthy, natural, you feel the sweat. There is artistry to it, but it feels real. With Kamiński it just too often looks artificially lit and processed. Everyone's skin glows and they often have a bleeding corona around their head, even when they are doing something mundane like sitting down to eat. Look at the drink between between Indy and Henry and compare it to the drink between Indy and Mutt. The light plays a key role in the former when the airship turns, but it looks like natural light throughout. The latter looks like the lens has been vaselined and light that rims people's faces starts to bleach and diffuse. Compare the naturalistic school scene in E.T. to the school scene in Catch Me If Can where the sun bleaches out the window and frames everyone in a heavenly glow for no particular reason. There are times for these effects but their overuse in scenes with no need for them gets tiring to me, undermines the reality of the moment and lessens their impact in other scenes where they have a purpose. It can be subtle difference but it's often there, even in the more gritty films like Munich. In earlier films, even when they were full of wonder and light like Close Encounters, suburbia still felt like suburbia and not a Turner painting. I know Spielberg likes to backlight and use atmospheric effects like smoke but I feel like other DOPs (and possibly the technology of the day) kept things grounded and not too glossy.
GREAT video. I love the idea of introducing a character by fracture. I've never thought about it that way. Such an effective tool.
I love the psychological aspect of how you come at discovering the filmmaking process. Again I enjoy your content keep up the good work as I'm always waiting for your next video!
Gaming Review Clan Thank you so much for the kind words. Really appreciate that.
Spielberg is a genius without a doubt, he has taught almost all the filmmakers after him.
Using fraction to add weight to objects and sounds is one of my favorite visual storytelling methods. Another great video! Thanks for the lesson.
Christopher Cowley Yay! Thank you! :)
Fantastic video. Your essays touch on more unique or unexplored topics than most video essay channels, and I appreciate that immensely. Keep up the great work, man!
Thank you so much! Hope you subscribe so you can keep up with future videos.
Buddy, you are the real deal. Top notch analysis!
This is an amazing analysis and will definitely stick with me as I develop my own characters. Thank you so much for sharing!
That's awesome! Thanks so much. Best of luck writing.
I love this video, you did such a great job highlighting one of the main reasons that Spielberg stands out from the crowd. I personally think he is one of the best directors to this day, because he is a character director first and builds up his narratives second. Thanks for making this.
Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I've lost count of how many times I've seen Saving Private Ryan. It is my all time favorite movie and I don't think any other movie can compare to it. Good stuff.
Cliché Such a damn good movie.
There's a reason Spielberg has become synonymous with film. And even so, in a way he's actually underrated.
Yeah Indy's intro in Raiders was the first thing I thought of when I saw the title of this video. So epic.
Found your channel this morning and have been watching your videos non stop this morning, keep making such incredible content
Thanks so much Neftali! Glad you're enjoying the channel. :)
Every Spielberg movie is a classic with something new to appreciate and admire each time you watch one.
This video is sensational! Spielberg is the master of character introductions as well as the master of all things film directing. I’ve noticed how a lot of villains are introduced in larger-than-life ways such as Darth Vader in A New Hope, Mark Hamill Joker in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (my Favorite Batman movie), The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, the animated Cruella DeVille (made great use of fraction introduction as it showed her speeding to Roger and Anita’s Home in her red car and her spider-like silhouette approaching the door as Roger sings “she’s like a spider waiting for the kill”), 6-year-old Michael Myers in 1978’s Halloween (director John Carpenter shows fractions of his hands grabbing the kitchen knife, clown mask and killing his sister Judith and he’s not revealed physically until his dad takes his mask off outside). That proverb “First impressions are the most lasting” is very true to storytelling and filmmaking. I couldn’t agree more. Excellent video. My favorite Spielberg Films are Jaws followed by E.T. and Jurassic Park.
Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. :)
Dude this is teaching me so much about the filming industry and what goes into it so much better than school
This channel is excellent. I like watching movies but I've never heard anyone explain how directors think and everything that goes into a film. I now have a new passion for wanting to learn more about film thanks to Entertain the Elk. Your essays are excellent, sir. Please continue making videos.
My favorite fraction is the revealing of Dr. Jones in _Raiders of the Lost Ark_
White Blogger Black Specs So so good.
Entertain The Elk Senpai noticed! *kawaii desu eyes*
White Blogger Black Specs stop. please just stop.
Well done. You have a great editing style :)
Michael Thomas Thanks so much! Really appreciate that.
This channel reminds me of Nerdwriter1, you're like two sides of the same coin. :)
Very well put together video. Spielberg knew what he was doing and he did it great. Thanks for video.
GeoMFilms Thank you!!
I love your content. You're like a hidden gem, your content is informative, engaging and also easy to digest. It's a perfect blend
Dammy Wow thank you so much! :)
fantastic video mate, keep putting up shit like this and you'll have 100k subs by the end of the year
flooblet Man I hope so. Maybe I could quit my stupid day job then. :)
Close Encounters, E.T., and Lincoln......in no particular order......I really enjoyed this video. Thanks!
Thank you so much!
This is excellent! It really seems like when it comes to lot of Spielberg’s work (especially his earlier work) he has a certain playfulness to his filmmaking.
This is a man who understands the tools of directing so well that as he plays around with them we know it works because it’s like he let us the audience (and I can’t think of any other words to describe this) to come and play along with him.
This is a real contrast to a lot of modern blockbuster and filmmakers that try to imitate him where they go dark and are taking the work so seriously they forget to have fun and it sucks the fun out for the audience as well.
Filmmaking it self should be fun and fun for the audience! It’s the whole reason most of us see movies in the first place!
This comment is so right on. Spielberg understands filmmaking and cinematic language so he knows how to play with it in order to get a desired response. People who mimic Spielberg do so without understanding why he does what he does.
Loved this. I'm a very visual person. So it's nice to have this broken down with the visual references. I believe it's these little illustrations and well written books that help my craft. Thank you.
HeartlessGentleman Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
Excellent work! My favorite Spielberg film is Close encounters of the third kind. For some unknown reason I also like 1941 a lot...
Wow I love the analysis. Very nice to follow and grounded, I loved ready player one with all the building characters among....all others. Spielberg has so many nice technics that make his movie being natural.... one of a kind and always a source of inspiration when it comes to creativity
It's extremely interesting just how often these uses occur in his films and that I hadn't noticed entirely before this video. Fantastic! One of my favorites
Nick Toss Thank you! Please subscribe so you can keep up with future EtE vids!
I subscribed months ago brotha!
Please, please, please (please) keep the videos coming! I have not one tip for improvement aside the fact that I'd simply like to see more coming. Patiently awaiting the next!
Samuel Wood Comments like this one are what encourage me to keep this up. Thank you!
The moment the T-Rex appears on screen in Jurassic Park, is one of my favorite character introductions ever. That damn Roar!
This video was fantastic man, subbed.
Awesome!!! I'll make you proud.
I saw Schindler's List for the first time earlier this year. I don't know if it's my favorite Spielberg movie, but it was one of the most emotionally impactful film experiences of my life
This is my first time on your page. Instantly subscribed, I never realized these small details that help introduce characters and story. I am excited to film and implement some of these creative visuals into my next film! Thanks for the clear breakdown. Please continue making videos.
J.i Productions Love it. Thanks so much for subscribing!
J.i Productions check out nerdwriters channel for similar content
All of his Introduced are great. I like how in tintin we learn about his Fame and how we see Hergé's painting of tintin first before spielberg tintin
First video of yours that I've watched. Subscribed.
Also, my favorite is Jurassic Park, followed by Raiders.
Mr Coatsworth Thanks so much for subscribing! Check out my other videos and tell me what you think.
I sure will!
Very nicely done. Well presented, and informative. I really appreciate the way you analyze and explain the techniques of the master filmmakers.
davidphoto2368 Thanks so much!
Dude. You seriously need more subscribers! Your videos are amazing! Keep it up man ;) And my favorite Spielberg movie that I've seen is Jurassic Park.
Stickman Lover Thank you so much for the kind encouragement! I'll keep plugging away and hopefully the subs will grow in time :)
Great job at evaluation. I attended UCLA EXTENSION Cinematography classes I excitingly received an A in that class for my evaluation of Schindler's list.
because of my childhood connection to it E.T. would have to be my favorite with a massive tie for second
Another great director who knows how to introduce characters and how to characterize them is Robert Zemeckis. Marty, Doc. Brown, Biff Tannen, George McFly and Mr. Strickland in Back to the future, Eddie Valiant in Who framed Roger Rabbit?, Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump and Whip Whitaker in Flight. (Yeah, Back to the future has a lot of great characterized characters).
This brings to mind the way Rick is introduced in Casablanca. The situation in Morocco is explained to the audience, then we move into Rick's bar where people are talking about him, and how aloof he is. We finally see his hand approving a cheque, and fingering a chess piece, before the camera follows it up to reveal his face, and he silently gives his approval of who may, or may not enter. Another interesting character introduction in that film is that of Elsa. We already trust Sam, because he's Rick's friend, and when Elsa enters the restaurant we see the look of surprise on Sam's face and how concerned he becomes urging Elsa to stay away from Rick, "You're bad luck to him."
Hi Mr Elk,
Really love your content! The mix of nostalgia for good media and your delivery of accessible but intriguing analysis is good stuff!
If you are ever stuck for an idea, examining the character development moments of 'found faith' would be a stirring episode to see!
Keep doing what you are doing.
Raiders of the lost Ark but close and counters is the one that made me interested in filmmaking. Specially in cinematography. The way he moves the camera great.
Really well made video essay. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for putting this online. New subscriber.
Awesome! I'll make you proud.
Beautiful analysis
Between this and your Shakespeare video, you're killing it recently.
What a great video!! Thanks for putting this out there! I loved it.
Fav Spielberg movies are Indiana Jones and Munich. Thanks so much for the analysis!
Insightful, concise, no silly gimmicks, no jerking off, just the facts - and the subs keep coming. :)
Slowly but surely. Thanks for the kind comment. :)
Thanks for the video! Great stuff!!!
DreistStudios Thank you!
One thing I notice is he's able to do far more with a single shot. For the Raptor transfer scene almost any other director would film one side of the cage then cut to the opposite side of the cage instead of having the camera orbit around the cage showing that the workers are desperately attacking the raptor with electro-shock weapons from all sides. He only ever cuts when it's necessary and it's always when there's been great coverage.
I think what you're describing is also sometimes called "the objective correlative." It's an object in the physical world which stands in for a concept, emotion, or in this case a character's innate identity. But it can also be an action rather than an object. So, for example, it could be Captain Hook's gleaming hook, being carried on a red pillow. But it could also be the way a character lights a cigarette. Or the lighter they use. And so on. The concept was first popularized by T.S. Eliot, and it's one of the main tenets of "show, don't tell."
Anyway, I just discovered this channel and have watched five videos tonight. Love your analysis.
Brilliant video as always!
Thank you!
Thank you!
I'm going to incorporate
not showing the antagonist until later, only showing their prop
thank you so much
Thank you for including Hook in this video!
BrittMichaelGordon You know it!
Really well constructed and comprehensive. Educational, very interesting and well made!
Brilliant disection ando observation. Great film.class .
Thank you!
Nice to see some love for Hook
I am trying to get better at introducing characters. This helped me. Thanks!
Awesome!
Awesome video! I love Spielberg movies! My favorite is Close Encounters of the Third Kind! Thanks for making this video. It was very informative. Definitely earned a sub!
Awesome! Thanks so much. :)
Great video! thanks for putting together such a thoughtful and compelling piece on Film Making. My favorite Spielberg movie as of late, is Schindler's list List and then Saving Private Ryan. I am studying film editing, and those two movies exemplify some awesome story telling and editing.
Thanks! :)
amazing how much info can be received in a story
The Bergmeister made my favorite film of all time; Jaws. I'll watch any video about him. Very rarely are those videos great. I've just subscribbled to your channel.
Thanks for the subbing! I'll make you proud. :)
Awesome video! I think Minority Report or Jaws would be my favorites.
Thanks! I love Minority Report. I think that's the last great Spielberg movie. The rest have been solid but not as memorable to me.
I think he made better and more interesting movies after Minority Report.
great job
You should do more of these!!!
Gimic King Planning on it! Make sure you subscribe so you can see what I do next. :)
Entertain The Elk Alright Buddy!! I love these kinds of video's! Take your time! I'm always subscribed to you!
Thanks for this well done piece. It helped me come up with some solid ideas for my story.
Great! Glad you liked it.
Keep making videos man. I'll have my kid watch you. I subscribed. Very good job.
Thank you so much! Glad you're coming along for the ride. :)
This videos are just so awesome and interesting to watch! I love Spielberg so this is a really interesting video and a new awesome thing that I never really realized! Keep up the good work. It's fantastic ^^
Timmjoshi2001 Thank you so much!! Really appreciate the kind words.
Great breakdown
great analysis and those small yet detailed use of masking!
Thank you!
Gotta love Spielberg. Probably has the greatest directorial body of work of all time
Absolutely!
I'm torn between Jaws, Jurassic Park, Raiders, and E.T. They all have a special place in my heart. However, when it comes down to it, I think Jaws takes the cake closely followed by Jurassic Park.
Conlan L Great minds. :)
so great. thanks for the fantastic analysis!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great video! And you have a great “radio voice”! Talent worth exploring!
Thank you so much!!!
Hoffman hitting the wine glass was ad libbed. Streep's reaction is real shock.
Yep! Love that detail.
I saw Jurassic Park for the first time when I was about nine, it's still one of my favorite movies
Interesting as always man, keep it up!
DuckmanSM Thank you!!
fantastic video, subbed
Mad at the missed opportunity to showcase Oprah marching up the road in The Color Purple accompanied by heavy orchestration.
In 1993, Stephen Spielberg released two iconic movies: Jurassic Park, and Schindler's List.
One is about a group of people trapped in an enclosure with monsters who are trying to kill them.
The other is Jurassic Park.
Thanks for this wonderful collection! Hook and Raiders for me :) I'm inspired to review my personal story project and review how my characters are introduced
That's awesome! Maybe you've been using Action/Fraction and didn't even know it! :)
Filmento made a similar point in talking about the character introduction of Capt. Jack Sparrow in Curse of the Black Pearl. Identify your character’s most essential cores, then introduce them in a way that visually embodies those cores.
Loved your video, liked the way you have described everything.
Very well said Steven Spielberg is the legend and the father of filmmaking he is good as a director even an executive producer. I like all his films.
Thank you for this amazing video 🙏🏾 I'm going to reference this when I write out the skits for my Channel 😅
Mischief Memoirs Thank you!!!
Excellent information. Thank you.
Thanks!
This was great. Very astute analysis.
Nice post, I have to admit that I am a big ET fan. But Spielberg stuff are always pretty cool to me.
Your videos are amazing, keep up the good work, dude :)
SuperDPL Thank you so much!!!
I love your channel! So inspiring, educational, and entertaining.
Surprised you didn't talk about E.T.'s introduction. It's my favourite of Spielberg's.
Great content! Time for me to watch Jaws again!
Brilliant.
Thanks!
Very interesting and insightful