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

Embrace both the creativity of childhood and the joy of adulthood

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"Hook," which transformed a fantasy known to children all over the world into Spielberg's personal story, is quite long at 144 minutes, and is a little awkward as pure entertainment for children. However, considering that Peter Pan with his belly full of fat was what interested Spielberg at the time and what he wanted to explore, this film seems to be filled with "realism" all the more because it is awkward.

The most heartwarming passages are those that refer to "time" and "clocks." In parallel with Captain Hook's dislike of clocks, Peter is also admonished by his wife about time: "Our children will soon grow up and no longer pay any attention to us parents. This is the only time we have as a family. You are wasting your precious time by using your focus on work as an excuse."

And before he knew it, the memory of the birth of his child, full of smiles and happiness, came back to him vividly. Peter Pan, who had been drifting between being an adult and a child, came to the conclusion that "That's right, I wanted to be a father!"

"Hook" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

What's important is that this isn't a denial of childhood. Rather than denying it and moving on to the next stage, we embrace both the past and the present with all our might as important and precious things.

In this way, Peter has finally found his true self, a man who can hold on to his childhood imagination and still be a father who protects his family. Now, he flies through the sky more freely, more nobly, and more innocently. The window to Neverland can remain open at any time.

It doesn't matter if this is a masterpiece, a great work, or a mediocre work. Immediately after this, Spielberg seemed to have gotten over something, and he went on to produce " Jurassic Park " (93) and " Schindler's List " (93), which were major turning points. At the same time, he built a warm family with Kate Capshaw and his children.

In that sense, Hook may have been a film that marked the beginning of a new era for Spielberg.

*1, Reference:

https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/why-steven-spielberg-was-unhappy-with-hook/

Reference materials

Film: "Spielberg!" (2017/USA) Director: Susan Lacy

Book "Steven Spielberg" by Douglas Brault, translated by Eiko Kuriyama (Shinko Music/1995)

Text: USHIZU ATSUNOBU

Born in Nagasaki in 1977. When he was 3 years old, he saw ``Superman II'' with his father and became fascinated with movies. After The Graduate from Meiji University, he worked for a movie broadcasting channel and then became a movie writer. Currently, in addition to writing for Eiga.com, EYESCREAM, Real Sound Movie Club, etc., he also contributes to media press and theater programs.

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(c) Photofest / Getty Images