Spielberg's best film teaches us not to be xenophobic

E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind will always remain as Spielberg's singular achievements, as they teach us not to be afraid of the unknown. E.T., especially, shows us in no uncertain terms the value of compassion over fear towards any groups we consider as "alien." Films like Duel, Jaws, Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds are fine as entertainment, but they exploit our readiness to be fearful. These films may depict only sharks, dinosaurs, little green men, and evil diesel truck drivers, but they are no different from films that have Middle East people, Germans, Southerners (e.g. "redneck" villains in horror movies), gay people, religious people, or any other groups as villains, because such groups are considered effective for inducing fear into the audience. We live in a culture that is already filled with all kinds of phobias, so I wonder what the effect of these movies collectively have on us. The best horror movies don't attack a cheap, convenient object of fear. Instead of demonizing something or someone, they explore unique ideas about fear, illusions, attitudes, fate, etc., that are much more meaningful and existential. For instance, the original Twilight Zone TV series told some of the best and most thoughtful horror stories ever.