Spielberg's legacy

Steven Spielberg is one of the most important and influential filmmakers in American history. He's been responsible for countless classics as a director and, along with George Lucas, Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, defined a generation.

Then there's his work as a producer, both on the big screen and small screen. He's had a hand in helping guide and support tons of projects, and his company, Dreamworks, is synonymous with quality entertainment.

So then, one might ask what his ultimate legacy will be? There is probably a tendency to focus on his classic films — "E.T.," "Jaws," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "Indiana Jones," and "Jurassic Park," among them. While those are iconic classics, I believe that in 20 years it will be Spielberg's other screen legacy that will prove the most enduring.

In his career, Spielberg has twice earned an Oscar for Best Director. The first was for "Schindler's List" in 1993 and the second was for "Saving Private Ryan" in 1998. Both are dramas about World War II. Spielberg, along with "Private Ryan" star Tom Hanks, also produced the mini series "Band of Brothers" and the currently airing follow-up "The Pacific."

Spielberg has done a lot of family films, and the lightness he brought to entertainment won't soon be forgotten. But it's his cannon of WWII films and series that I believe are his most enduring legacy.

Few films over the past 50 years did more to impact the cultural consciousness than "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan." In fact, recently a list of the biggest Oscar travesties in history sited "Private Ryan's" loss to "Shakespeare in Love" in the Best Picture race as one of the biggest goofs of all time, and for good reason. Both films — one about the Holocaust and one about front line U.S. troops — serve as touching tributes to the historical period and to the men and women affected by it. Both are deeply personal films that resonated with audiences of all ages.

The same is true for "Band of Brothers." The mini series is captivating. I have watched through at least five times and always find something new. It is an incredible tribute to quality storytelling and to the men of the 101st Airborne Division. "The Pacific" has similarly done a great deal to showcase the dedication and struggle of soldiers bogged down in the Pacific Theater, focusing also on the mental toll war takes on the men and women who bravely serve. It feels timely and relevant, and also illuminates a different part of WWII.

Taken individually, any of the pieces would be impressive. Taken collectively, the work Spielberg has done as a producer and director in telling the story of WWII is without comparison. He has worn many hats during his career, but it's hard to dispute that this collection might be the most memorable part of his cinematic legacy.