The Fabelmans is a coming-of-age drama movie that Steven Spielberg directed. The film was released by Universal Pictures nationwide on November 23, 2022. Spielberg also co-wrote the film with Tony Kushner. It’s a semi-biopic partially based on Spielberg’s formative years as a filmmaker and youth. The narrative of this original character is revealed through the fictional Sammy Fabelman, a young aspiring filmmaker who investigates how the power of movies might help him realize the truth about his chaotic family and the people around him. Sammy is portrayed by Gabriel LaBelle. Michelle Williams plays Mitzi Fabelman (Sammy’s mom), Paul Dano plays Burt Fabelman (Sammy’s dad), and Seth Rogen plays Uncle Benny. Leah Adler who passed away in 2017 at the age of 97 and Arnold Spielberg who passed away at the age of 103 were Spielberg’s actual parents, and are honored throughout the movie. Sammy’s parents are portrayed in the movie with qualities that are exactly like the way they were in real life. The film is a deeply personal story that explores the complexities and contradictions of family relationships.
One of the most striking aspects of The Fabelmans is its visual style. I admired Spielberg’s ability to capture the feeling of a bygone era. The warmth of the ’50s and ’60s feels so reminiscent of the time. Spielberg is a master of creating immersive worlds, and he does so here with great skill. The warm color palette gives the film a comforting feel that makes the decade seem nostalgic and like home. The warm and nostalgic tone perfectly captures the look and feel of the 1960s. Every detail, from the clothing to the architecture to the music, feels authentic and lived-in. The fact that Spielberg made exact sets of his childhood home and put in real objects from his childhood shows his attention to detail. For example, Mitzi wears some pieces and jewelry that Spielberg’s mom wore during that time period. Spielberg deftly weaves in elements of the political and social landscape of the time. Because of his experience during that time, he highlights the discrimination that Jews faced. Spielberg shows how anti-Semitism affected his childhood through the eyes of Sammy. However, these larger themes never overpower the intimate, personal story at the film’s heart. Spielberg is a master of visual storytelling, and every frame of the film is filled with rich, evocative imagery.
The camera work is masterful, with Spielberg using a variety of techniques to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, from close-ups of the characters’ faces to sweeping shots of the landscape. Like how Sammy in the film uses film cameras, The Fabelmans was also shot using film cameras. KODAK 35mm, 16mm, and 8mm film cameras were used throughout shooting and it pays homage to the way older films were shot.
At its core, The Fabelmans is a film about family, and Spielberg beautifully captures the complexity of familial relationships. The Fabelmans feel very real in portraying family relationships. The film goes to show how important family is but also how not every family is perfect.
In the middle of the film, there lies a secret in the family and Sammy’s whole world is turned around.
The relationship between Sammy played by LaBelle, and his parents, played by Williams and Dano, is at the heart of the film, and the three actors deliver incredible performances that perfectly capture the emotional turmoil of the characters. The chemistry between the cast is just as warm as the color palette. Labelle and Williams complement each other well and their relationship feels sweet. Throughout the movie, the love in Sammy’s family is the core but arguments arise and conflicts happen. In addition, Sammy as the protagonist is very likable. I admired the self-awareness the film had of Sammy. He sometimes chooses filmmaking over family and this shows his selfishness but other characters would point this out and it’s not an aspect that is accepted or liked. This makes Sammy feel even more real, it makes you realize that he’s not perfect either. This is important because not many films call out characters for insufferable qualities and it just makes the character less likable.
The Fabelmans also features an incredible score by legendary composer John Williams. The music perfectly captures the mood of the film, with a mix of tender, emotional themes, and soaring, triumphant melodies. Several scenes make you feel so warm and nostalgic because of the score.
Despite its many strengths, The Fabelmans is not without its flaws. The film is quite long, and at times it feels like Spielberg is indulging in his own nostalgia. Some scenes could have been trimmed or cut altogether without losing any of the film’s emotional impact. Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, with the film not fully exploring their relationships with the protagonist. For example, Benny was a character that should have had more screen time. Not much is known about him and he deserved more development. Especially since he is a crucial character. Another character was Uncle Boris played by Judd Hirsch. Although he does not appear for much of the film, his character is important in that he shows Sammy that his true passion is filmmaking which is why he deserves more screen time.
Overall, The Fabelmans is a beautiful, heartfelt film that showcases Spielberg’s immense talent as a filmmaker. It’s a deeply personal work that explores the themes of family, identity, and belonging with warmth and sensitivity. It’s a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world, and it’s sure to be remembered as one of Spielberg’s most personal and affecting films. The message of the film is to follow your passions but when you do, it can get in the way. “Art will break your heart” is a phrase that I think encapsulates the film’s central theme, emphasizing the emotional intensity and sacrifice that can come with pursuing artistic endeavors. The message is important and it’s truly an inspiring film. It’s a movie that makes filmmakers and passionate people feel seen, which is rare for a film about movie-making. It’s hard not to see how The Fabelmans deeply mirrors Spielberg’s life. I loved how The Fabelmans doesn’t sugarcoat the concept of following your passions. There are always going to be obstacles but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to pursue your dreams.
A 4/5 stars, this film is a must-watch if you’re an aspiring filmmaker!
