The Fabelmans
“you do what you heart tells you because you don’t owe anyone your life”
Spielberg’s most recent film, The Fabelmans, is as much a love letter to film as it is a semi-autobiographical portrait of his formative years. It is evident from the start that this is Spielberg at his most sentimental and caring. A window to his past, his hardships and the aftermath of his parents’ divorce. A decision that shaped American Cinema for decades.
Every scene in this movie can qualify as my favourite one. A masterful film by a master director at the twilight of his career who still delivers incredible work all round. Sammy Fabelman is a young boy in love with making movies and is constantly being pushed around by his parents, either towards that dream by his mom, or away from it by his dad. As his parents’ marriage implodes, he takes refuge in filmmaking to escape the ticking time bomb that is his family.
I do not think anything can be said about Steven Spielberg that has not been said before. In spite of some failures over the years, he will ultimately be remembered as the guy who made Indiana Jones, E.T. or Saving Private Ryan. His understanding and love for film is unlike any other and that is the reason The Fabelmans works so well. The personal side combined with his professionalism and knowledge make for a magical experience similar to E.T in the sense that what you see on screen leaves you speechless and in awe of what you are experiencing.
John Williams’ score is his most subtle yet in a Spielberg film, serving as a backdrop, holding it together and maintaining order throughout the gigantic 2 and a half hours runtime. Beautiful piano arpeggios compose most of this score in contrast to the usual lively exploding brass music.
The cinematography is also unbelievably on point. Bewitching shots that leave you wanting more. Still, the real MVP of Fabelmans is its editing. Not for a moment do you feel bored, each shot lingers for the right time it has to. You are engaged in Sammy’s story without ever having a need to look away.
Michelle Williams’ performance was without a doubt deserving of being nominated for the Oscar. Such a subtle and emotional portrayal of this woman who is conflicted between keeping her family together or following her true love. A divisive character that feels real much to what Michelle brings to the table. Paul Dano is also incredible in a supporting role that is crucial to the development of Sammy’s character. The Fabelmans is scattered with great performances that all contribute to making this world feel as alive as possible but I have to give a special mention to Judd Hirsch and Gabriel LaBelle.
On the whole, The Fabelmans is a top 5 Spielberg project for me that moved me to tears in the end. David Lynch’s cameo as John Ford as awesome to see. I hope Disclosure Day is as good as this one or hopefully even better. I may not want to be a filmmaker now but if I had seen this one some years back, I am sure it would have given me that motivation.