We’re not saying anything new if we tell you that Steven Spielberg is one of the most influential directors for a whole generation of filmmakers and part of another one. His mark can be seen in countless projects for film and television, including a very cheeky science fiction comedy where he actually makes a cameo that you might not have known about if you didn’t watch the movie in its original version. We’re talking about Paul, a film released in 2011 that you can watch on Netflix.
Paul, a film for science fiction lovers
Directed by Greg Mottola (yes, the same one from Superbad), Paul adapted a script written by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, also starring in the film. It follows the adventures of a couple of friends passionate about science fiction who, while traveling across the U.S., encounter an alien in Area 51, leading to a story full of hilarious moments and, above all, lots of nods to movies and series of the genre, starting with its cast that includes Sigourney Weaver, who needs no introduction once more, as a guest star.
However, the most surprising appearance in the film is the one by Steven Spielberg, who lent his voice in a very specific scene of the film. This happens around minute 35 when it is explained that Paul, a creature very similar to Roger Smith from American Dad, has been advising the government and other individuals for several years, including the director of E.T., who took note of one of his suggestions to shape Elliot’s best friend in the 1982 movie.
Spielberg recorded his lines without hesitation
“I want him to have some special power. Something messianic,” Spielberg tells Paul. “Okay, Steven. How about cellular reanimation?” Paul responds, confirming that in the mythology of this film, the American director got the idea for E.T. reviving a dead plant from a real extraterrestrial. Spielberg liked this nod so much that he didn’t hesitate to offer to make the cameo himself.
“Nick Frost and I worked with Steven on The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn in early 2009. We told him all about Paul while we were filming. We mentioned the idea that in the canon of our film, Paul had been his advisor while he was making E.T. He loved that idea and suggested a cameo as a half-joke that we asked him to do. (…) He showed up alone, with his baseball cap and aviator jacket, and recorded the scene with Seth [Rogan, voice of Paul] several times. He made an effort to make it sound as natural as possible, improvising with Seth to give it a conversational tone. I remember he denied that there was any kind of messianic metaphor in E.T., but still said the lines as written.” — Simon Pegg
After the movie premiered, as also recalled by The Boys star, Spielberg sent them an email to congratulate them on how well that scene turned out and on the multitude of science fiction movie references they had included. “I feel a huge fondness and admiration for him. It’s a combination of enormous professional respect, sincere gratitude for the films I’ve made with him, and genuine affection for a sweet and big-hearted guy. He’s my hero,” added the actor.
If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s needless to say that Paul is a fantastic road movie ideal for science fiction enthusiasts like the two who star in its story. It only lasts a little over an hour and a half, so it’s a perfect popcorn plan to watch during the week. You can find it on Netflix, but if you’re one to stay up late, it’s airing today, September 23, on Paramount Network at 23:50.
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