"Hook" Spielberg's psychological state, torn between being an adult and a child

What if Peter Pan grew up? Hook (1991) is a fantasy film directed by Steven Spielberg that takes a classic fairy tale and expands its own story. It was made with an extraordinary amount of money at the time, $70 million, but the film has not received good reviews from the public, either in the past or now. Even the director himself admits this (*1).

However, there are a certain number of people who defend "Hook." For me, who was a child at the time, it was great fun just to see the characters floating up into the sky, and my heart beat faster when Robin Williams raised his heroic voice with the Lost Children. Furthermore, the blend of the film's thoughts of "I don't want to become an adult" and "There are fun things waiting for adults" was a precious Arrival that struck me in its own way.

And one more thing: Now that more than 30 years have passed since its release, when you watch this film again in comparison with Spielberg's career and life, you can see that it was truly a "rite of passage" for him.

Index

• Peter Pan, who forgot his childhood and how to fly
• It overlaps with the change in Spielberg's life stage
• My thoughts about my child and my biological father
• Embrace both the creativity of childhood and the joy of adulthood

Peter Pan, who forgot his childhood and how to fly

Just before this film was made, Spielberg had attempted a more adult style, such as " The Color Purple " (1985), " Empire of the Sun " (1987), and " Always " (1989). Had Spielberg, who once delivered heart-pounding science fiction fantasy, abandoned his childlike heart? Then came "Hook". Its visual world was certainly very enjoyable. But what was most strongly imprinted in it was the way Spielberg's psychology fluctuated between that of a child and an adult.

"Hook" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

Robin Williams plays the main character, Peter Banning, who once embarked on a great adventure as Peter Pan. He had long refused to grow up, but now he has a family, children, and works hard to protect his happiness.

He has no memories of his past, and doesn't even remember his brave battle against Captain Hook. Instead, he is strangely afraid of "flying" for some reason, and makes sure his family "keeps the windows closed properly."

However, Peter undergoes a major transformation in the story. When his beloved children are taken to Neverland by his nemesis Captain Hook, Peter pushes open the door to his imagination, looks closely at things that were previously invisible, and believes in his own potential as he tries to fly in the sky. In this way, he reunites with the childhood he once said goodbye to.

It overlaps with the change in Spielberg's life stage