Steven Spielberg, one of the most iconic directors of our time, recently surprised the film world by expressing regret about one of his films. While his work is often hailed for its ability to captivate and move, it seems that one production in particular has fallen out of favor with him. This unexpected turn of events raises a number of questions among cinephiles and critics alike: what film could embody this sense of regret in such an accomplished director? Let’s take a look behind the scenes of this surprising revelation and discover what prompted Spielberg to share this sentiment in 2025.
John Ford: a legendary director faces an unexpected challenge
John Ford, an iconic figure in cinema with 147 films to his credit, left his mark on the history of the seventh art with his masterful works. However, his career was not exempt from projects he would have preferred to avoid. “Paz en la Tierra” was one of those films imposed by the studios, which Ford considered the worst of his filmography. Constrained by contractual obligations, he had to make this feature film without really adhering to the project.
The screenplay, written by Reginald Berkeley, left little room for Ford’s creativity, which exacerbated his dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, some critics praised the film’s ambition and visual quality, although Ford himself wished to forget it.
A family saga set against a backdrop of historical upheaval
“Paz en la Tierra follows the Girard family, masters of a cotton empire, through a century of transformations. The story begins in New Orleans in 1825, with the reading of the patriarch’s will, which requires his descendants to settle in England, France and Germany, while maintaining a presence in the United States.
This family tale unfolds against the backdrop of the First World War, culminating in the Great Depression in Manhattan. Ford, with little involvement in the screenplay by Reginald Berkeley, had to deal with a rigid narrative framework, accentuating his frustration with a project he never really embraced.
Critical reception and paradoxical legacy of “Paz en la Tierra
Despite John Ford’s disavowal, “Paz en la Tierra” received mixed but occasionally glowing reviews. The visual composition and photography were particularly praised, with publications such as The New York Times calling the film ambitious and well-realized. Film Daily highlighted its impressive scale and solid casting, while the Chicago Tribune deemed it worthy of note.
These appreciations helped bolster Ford’s reputation as a talented director, even if the project also fueled his reputation as a “difficult director”. Ironically, this film, which he wished to forget, played a part in building his complex, nuanced public image.
