Steven Spielberg long admired David Lean, frequently praising Lawrence of Arabia as a masterpiece. When Lean originally planned to direct Empire of the Sun in 1987, Spielberg was set to produce. After Lean withdrew, Spielberg assumed the directing role and reciprocated by committing to produce Lean's next project, an adaptation of Joseph Conrad's Nostromo, viewing it as a chance to support his filmmaking hero.

Conflict emerged once production began. Spielberg, following standard Hollywood producer practice, offered creative notes on story and direction. Lean—a seasoned auteur who had spent decades fiercely protecting his artistic vision—interpreted these suggestions as unwelcome interference from a younger filmmaker. What Spielberg intended as collaborative input quickly became a source of friction, ultimately damaging the professional relationship between the admirer and his once-revered mentor.