In 1973, when Steven Spielberg's movie 'Sugarland Express' was released, it was acculaimed by Pauline Kael as 'One of the most phenomenal debut films in history'. Spielberg was 26. The world's most commercially successful director since mid-seventies, Spielberg was seen primarily as askilled creator of escapist entertainment until 'Schildler's List' was released in 1993. This book explores the Spielberg phenomenon.