Steven Spielberg Calls This Filmmaker the Only “Perfect Filmmaker”: “I’ve Been Laughed At for That”
Steven Spielberg once called John Ford the only “perfect filmmaker,” a statement that raised a few eyebrows at the time. Speaking to David Halpern in 1974, before the release of Jaws, Spielberg explained his choice clearly.
“John Ford, technically, was, for me, the perfect filmmaker and Orson Welles was second,” he said. “I only put Ford in front of Welles as a technician, as a great technician, although I’ve been yelled at and laughed at for that.”
Spielberg’s admiration for Ford is rooted in the legendary director’s mastery of the western genre and his work with iconic actor John Wayne. Ford’s films, like The Searchers, redefined how westerns were made and are known for their strong visual storytelling and memorable shot compositions.
While many consider his style traditional, Ford was a master of economy in filmmaking, carefully choosing when to use close-ups or wide shots. Spielberg credits this precision as a key lesson he took from Ford: “If he’s taught me anything at all, he’s taught me how to hold back. I mean, Ford was so judicious about his closeups and his wide shots.”
Though Spielberg has drawn inspiration from many directors, including Akira Kurosawa, David Lean, Stanley Kubrick, and John Frankenheimer, it was Ford who shaped much of his approach. Interestingly, while Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia is Spielberg’s favorite movie, he often turns to Ford’s The Searchers for guidance before starting a new project.
John Ford is celebrated for his role in shaping classic American cinema, particularly through the western, and his influence on filmmakers like Spielberg continues to be felt today. Spielberg’s labeling of Ford as “perfect” might surprise some, but for the director, it reflects Ford’s unmatched skill as a technician and storyteller.
Spielberg’s choice also highlights Orson Welles as a close second, showing his respect for both the technical precision and artistic vision these directors brought to the screen.
Ford may have passed decades ago, but his films remain a standard for visual storytelling and cinematic efficiency. Spielberg’s admiration underscores just how much impact Ford’s work continues to have on modern directors.
From my perspective, it’s fascinating to see Spielberg place Ford above even Welles, given the different styles and eras. It shows how technical mastery and disciplined storytelling can leave a lasting legacy. What do you think about Spielberg calling Ford the “perfect filmmaker”? Share your thoughts in the comments.
