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"When I was young, I was obsessed with being a movie
director. The only way I thought I'd be able to do that would be
to get on a major lot and be discovered. So I went to Universal,
dressed up as a junior executive, walked past the guard and got on
the lot. I kept coming for the entire summer! That's the only
thing I did though - Frank did numerous things!"
Just like with Abagnale, Jnr., the truth has finally caught up
with the Dreamworks head honcho.
But the man who can guarantee a film is going to make a few bob
isn't immune from scam artists himself (he admits probably
everyone has been scammed in some way or another), and the story
of Frank Abagnale engrossed him so much he decided to direct his
life story.
"I see Frank's tale as a Robin Hood story, but it's in the
genre of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. There have been many
examples of Hollywood's infatuation and romancing of the scam
artist, and a lot of those stories were made up and not true.
"This took a lot of imagination for Frank to pull off as a
17 and 18 year old kid and I thought it was a story people would
not believe. When they found out it was true, I think they'd
respect him."
Spielberg, who confesses his subject matter is often influenced by
broken homes (something he experienced as a kid which in turn
influenced E.T.), also observes Catch Me If You Can, which is
special effects light, is his least conventional film of the last
decade.
But imagine this if you will. Bond directed by Spielberg.
Mouthwatering, huh?
"I tried to make a Bond film about 30 years ago and I
actually had a meeting with Cubby Broccoli. But he said I wasn't
ready. So, ten years after that I became his main competitor and
began making his arch rival to a hero, Indiana Jones. That was my
pay back."
I'll bet the Bond producers are wishing they'd caught Spielberg
when they had their chance.
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