The SPIELBERG Philosophy of Warfare

FAR MORE THAN PRO-WAR. You’ll never see SAVING PRIVATE RYAN the same way again.

Steven Spielberg changed the original screenplay of Saving Private Ryan to fit his private agenda. Join me in my deep dive into this legendary, late 90's film as we the uncover the director’s secret underlying message; the covert insertion of his TRUE philosophy of war, mercy and the battlefield…which most people don’t notice, even after repeated viewings.

Legendary director Steven Spielberg has shaped and redefined our understanding of conflict, heroism, and morality in wartime. Spielberg's approach to filmmaking blends stunning visual storytelling with profound philosophical themes, making his works a rich source for film analysis. Whether you’re a movie buff, a philosophy major or a film school student, this analysis will reveal the deeper layers of this iconic movie, reflecting on Spielberg's unique perspective on human nature and the brutal realities of war.

Spielberg’s artistic choices, his character development and the ethical dilemmas which this pro-war film presents were all informed by the lesson about mercy he wanted to teach us. This video will resonate with anyone interested in film theory and the intersection of art, philosophy and politics. If you are passionate about Spielberg’s cinematic style, his influence on Hollywood, or you simply love dissecting movies from a philosophical lens, this video is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 – Miller’s Decision
02:10 – Spielberg Changes the Script
03:18 – The Pro-War Movie
05:10 – The Anti-War Movie
06:37 – Comparing By Example
07:55 – Vindicating Their Cruelty
08:43 – Spielberg’s Underlying Message
09:45 – Spielberg is Upham
11:46 – What Upham Symbolizes
12:05 – Miller’s Legacy
13:31 – Our Objective
15:24 – Who We’d Like To Be
15:57 – In Their Shade