The Legacy of Steven Spielberg: Honoring The Spiel’s Ode to Fortune and Glory
Eric Vespe, known for his work as a film journalist under the pseudonym Quint, has recently launched a podcast called The Spiel. This podcast is dedicated to celebrating the filmography of one of the most legendary directors in Hollywood history, Steven Spielberg. Vespe’s deep admiration for Spielberg’s work stems from his earliest memory of watching the iconic film Poltergeist. The imagery of coffins popping out of the ground at the end of the movie left a lasting impression on Vespe, igniting his passion for Spielberg’s storytelling.
From Stephen to Steven: The Birth of The Spiel
The Spiel, co-hosted by Vespe and Scott Wampler, is a podcast that serves as a heartfelt tribute to the profound impact Spielberg has had on the world of cinema. Just like their previous podcast, The Kingcast, which delved into the works of Stephen King, The Spiel aims to bring together filmmakers, actors, and fans to discuss their favorite Spielberg films. The podcast format allows guests to reflect on the specific movies in Spielberg’s filmography that have resonated with them on a personal and professional level.
The idea for The Spiel had been brewing for years, with Vespe and Wampler recognizing the parallels between Spielberg and King as populist storytellers who were initially dismissed by critics. Despite facing criticism for their sentimental and manipulative storytelling styles, both Spielberg and King have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. The success of The Kingcast paved the way for The Spiel, with Vespe and Wampler eager to explore Spielberg’s diverse body of work with the same critical eye and appreciation for both his hits and misses.
A Tribute to a Friend: Navigating Loss and Moving Forward
Tragically, the launch of The Spiel was overshadowed by the unexpected death of Scott Wampler in May. Wampler’s passing left a void in the Austin film journalism community and deeply affected Vespe, who not only lost a business partner but also a close friend. The duo had recorded the first season of The Spiel together, and Wampler’s absence created a profound sense of loss for Vespe as he grappled with the emotional and practical implications of moving forward without his cohost.
Despite the challenges and heartache brought on by Wampler’s death, Vespe found solace in continuing to work on The Spiel. The podcast served as a creative outlet for Vespe to honor his friend’s memory while also exploring his shared love for Spielberg’s films. The episodes recorded with Wampler will introduce audiences to his voice and personality, preserving his legacy within the show. As Vespe navigates the future of The Spiel, he remains committed to upholding the spirit of the podcast and ensuring that it evolves into a distinctive platform that pays homage to Spielberg’s cinematic achievements.
Throughout his career as a film journalist and podcaster, Vespe has demonstrated a knack for engaging and insightful interviews with industry luminaries. His conversational approach to storytelling allows guests to share personal anecdotes and insights, creating a unique and intimate listening experience for audiences. From interviewing Winona Ryder about her cat to engaging in hour-long conversations with cinema legends like Kurt Russell and Ernest Borgnine, Vespe’s ability to connect with his subjects shines through in every episode of The Kingcast and The Spiel.
The success of both podcasts has not only solidified Vespe’s reputation as a skilled interviewer but has also opened doors to conversations with a diverse range of guests, from acclaimed filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro to iconic actors like Bill Hader. The opportunity to delve into the creative processes and inspirations behind Spielberg’s films has allowed Vespe to deepen his appreciation for the director’s storytelling prowess and enduring impact on the world of cinema.
As Vespe continues to steer The Kingcast and The Spiel towards new horizons, he remains grateful for the connections and experiences that podcasting has brought into his life. The unexpected twists and turns of his journey from film journalist to podcaster have led him to forge meaningful relationships with industry professionals and film enthusiasts alike. Through his dedication to honoring the legacies of filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Stephen King, Vespe has carved out a unique niche in the podcasting landscape, offering audiences a platform to celebrate the artistry and innovation of cinema’s most visionary storytellers.
Listen to The Spiel on Apple Podcasts and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Spielberg’s filmography through the passionate lens of Eric Vespe and his guests.
