The Fabelmans Review: Steven Spielberg’s brilliantly made semi-autobiographical drama is a cinema we must surrender to

By Shachi Chaturvedi

Cast- Gabriel LaBelle, Michelle Williams and Paul Dano

Director- Steven Spielberg

Rating- 4/5

Synopsis

A young aspiring filmmaker discovers how filmmaking might help him understand the reality of his troubled family and the people around him.

Review

The film is a semi-autobiographical drama partially based on Spielberg’s childhood and early years as a filmmaker portrayed via the fictional Sammy Fabelman’s own perspective.

The film begins with a Jewish couple, Mitzi and Burt Fabelman, taking their young son Sammy to his first film screening. The youngster is afraid of going to the theatre because he is afraid of the dark. His parents explain to him that seeing a movie in a theatre is an experience that he would enjoy. The child accepts and sees his first film, but what sticks with him is a scene of two trains colliding.

Sammy is intrigued by the incident and wishes to recreate it in order to seize control. He begins shooting and replaying situations as a child because it gives him a sense of control. This experience planted the seed of filmmaking in the young boy.

The filmmaker attempted to present many facets and cross behaviour in this movie. Burt, Sammy’s father, regards filmmaking as a passion rather than a profession. Sammy is from a dysfunctional family that constantly attempts to portray itself as a joyful household. Mitzy (Sammy’s mother) is having an affair, which Sam finds while editing footage from the family’s camping vacation.

Sammy and Mitzi had a heated debate. The family then relocates to Saratoga, California. Sammy is targeted by teenagers Logan and Chad, who hurl anti-Semitic insults at him. The film is an emotional roller coaster filled with challenges that individuals confront in their daily lives.

In terms of character portrayals, Gabriel LaBelle gives an honest portrayal of Sammy. The character he plays is a difficult nut to crack. To do the job right, one must maintain perfect control over dialogue delivery & expressions, which Gabriel has mastered.

Michelle Williams and Paul Dano play Sam’s parents, respectively. Both actors have done amazing jobs. What makes this film a masterpiece because of the united effort of each performer.

When it comes to film editing, the film not only depicts the present day but also how shooting with those little cameras appears. It’s a wonderfully made, well-written film that deserves a standing ovation.

This is a movie that will make you laugh, weep, ponder, and smile all at the same time, and you cannot ask for anything more. The film lacks songs, yet the background soundtrack is worthy enough to convey the mood. To appreciate the profundity of this film, you must surrender your heart. It’s a movie that will carve itself its own niche.

It is rare to have a whole theatre full of critics clapping as the film ends. This film begins with a cute tone and ends with a mind-blowing climax that will astound the viewers.

Conclusion

A movie like this, which is full of emotions and messages deserves to get all the appreciation.