| by John Finnegan
Allegory is one of the most powerful storytelling tools out there. It lets you take a story beyond its surface and explore deeper meanings, connect to real-world issues, and make audiences think. Few filmmakers use allegory as masterfully as Steven Spielberg. Whether it’s a historical drama or a sci-fi blockbuster, his films have a knack for delivering both entertainment and thought-provoking commentary.
In this post, we’ll dive into how Spielberg uses allegory to tackle tough topics and how you can apply the same approach in your own screenwriting.
How Spielberg Works His Allegorical Magic
1. Allegory Examples in Movies: The Post & Telling Modern Stories Through History
The Post is about The Washington Post’s decision to publish the Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam War, putting the paper at odds with a government that wanted to silence them. While the story is historical, it hit close to home for modern audiences grappling with issues like freedom of the press and government accountability. Spielberg took a moment from the past and made it feel urgent and relevant for today.
The Takeaway:
Use history to talk about today. Historical settings let you explore modern issues with just enough distance to keep the audience engaged without feeling like they’re being lectured.
2. Exploring the Cycle of Violence – Munich
In Munich, Spielberg examines Israel’s response to the 1972 Olympic massacre of its athletes. The film delves into the moral and emotional toll of seeking revenge, showing how the cycle of violence never really ends. Released in the aftermath of 9/11, it mirrored America’s struggles with similar questions during the "War on Terror."
The Takeaway:
Look at current struggles through the lens of the past. Drawing comparisons between past and present lets your audience reflect on today’s issues without feeling like they’re being directly confronted.
3. Fear and Chaos – War of the Worlds
War of the Worlds might seem like a straightforward alien invasion movie, but Spielberg masterfully incorporates powerful allegorical imagery tied to the events of 9/11. This film is a prime example of how allegories in movies can convey deeper meaning, with visuals like fleeing civilians and people covered in grey dust evoking the fear and uncertainty that gripped the U.S. after the attacks.
The Takeaway:
Use visuals to do the heavy lifting. Allegory doesn’t always have to be in the dialogue or the plot. Sometimes, subtle visual cues can say everything you need.
4. Unity in Division – Lincoln
Spielberg’s Lincoln follows Abraham Lincoln’s fight to pass the 13th Amendment, abolish slavery, and end the Civil War. Released during Barack Obama’s presidency, the story felt particularly relevant as the U.S. dealt with political gridlock and partisanship. Without ever saying it outright, Lincoln invited viewers to think about the challenges of leadership and cooperation in any era.
The Takeaway:
Show universal truths through specific stories. Even if your story is set in the past (or in a galaxy far, far away), it can still speak to the challenges people face today.
Why Allegory Works
What makes allegory so powerful is that it doesn’t hit the audience over the head with its message. Instead, it nudges them to draw their own connections. Spielberg is a master at this balance—he doesn’t preach. Instead, he sets up the pieces and lets audiences figure it out for themselves, which is always more rewarding.
Tips for Using Allegory in Your Scripts
Pick a Strong ParallelChoose a historical or fictional event that mirrors the theme or issue you want to explore. The connection doesn’t have to be obvious—subtlety goes a long way.
Trust Your AudienceDon’t spell everything out. Audiences appreciate being part of the process, and they’ll engage more deeply when they connect the dots themselves.
Tap Into Universal EmotionsWhether it’s fear, hope, love, or loss, focus on emotions everyone can relate to. It makes the allegory more accessible and impactful.
Let the Visuals SpeakSymbolic imagery can often do the job better than dialogue. Think about how your visuals can reinforce the themes without being too on-the-nose.
Make the Story Stand on Its OwnYour story should still work for people who miss the allegory entirely. If it’s compelling on its own, the deeper meanings will just feel like a bonus for those who pick up on them.
Why Allegory Works
Great stories don’t just entertain—they make people think and feel. Allegory is an amazing way to get your audience to engage with big ideas without feeling like they’re being lectured. Spielberg’s films show how powerful this technique can be: he lets viewers discover the message on their own, making it all the more impactful.
So next time you want to tackle a meaningful issue in your script, don’t preach. Use allegory to guide your audience to the message, and let them take it from there. You’ll create a story that resonates long after the credits roll.
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