'The Last Kings of Hollywood': How Coppola, Lucas and Spielberg changed cinema - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Stuart MillerFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Paul Fischer’s *The Last Kings of Hollywood* delves into the transformative roles of Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg in reshaping American cinema. The book explores how these visionary filmmakers challenged traditional studio systems, pushing for creative autonomy and redefining what blockbusters could achieve. Through their groundbreaking work in the late 1960s to early 1980s, they laid the foundation for modern Hollywood’s blockbuster era, creating iconic films like *The Godfather*, *Star Wars*, and *Jaws* that continue to influence generations of moviegoers.
Fischer paints a detailed portrait of each filmmaker’s journey. Coppola emerges as a risk-taker who sought independence from studios by building his own studio, allowing him to produce ambitious projects like *Apocalypse Now*. Lucas revolutionized cinema with cutting-edge technology in *Star Wars*, while Spielberg redefined the thriller genre with *Jaws* and *Raiders of the Lost Ark*. Each man navigated their rise to power differently—Coppola through creative excess, Lucas through technological innovation, and Spielberg by mastering storytelling within established systems. Their paths were not without conflict; they often advised each other on filmmaking decisions only to later disregard that same advice for themselves.
The book also highlights the tension between artistic vision and commercial success. Lucas, once a critic of studio Hollywood, became increasingly focused on profitability, even as he introduced innovative techniques. Similarly, Coppola faced criticism for his lavish spending, yet his films remain celebrated for their artistry. Spielberg, while more collaborative, pushed boundaries in ways that reshaped the industry’s expectations.
Ultimately, Fischer’s narrative underscores how these three filmmakers’ gambles—whether creative, financial, or technical—transformed Hollywood into a playground for innovation. Their stories matter because they reveal the power of taking risks to challenge the status quo, not just in filmmaking but in any industry. By chronicling their rise and the ecosystems they built, Fischer offers readers insight into how these legends reshaped the cultural landscape, leaving an indelible mark on global cinema.
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026