November 11, 2024

THE FABELMANS (2022) – Spielberg on Spielberg

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Rating: ⭐⭐

This film is a thinly disguised autobiography of famed director Steven Spielberg in his youth, when he discovered his passion for filmmaking and how he got his start in Hollywood. By that alone, The Fabelmans is required viewing for any avid moviegoer, especially if you are a fan or grew up watching all of Spielberg’s unforgettable films during his prime years. One would have expected to learn where this filmmaking genius got his inspiration and talents. Unfortunately, The Fabelmans comes across as a rather unremarkable coming of age story about a young Jewish boy growing up in a broken family while being bullied by anti-semitic bullies at school.

The film’s selling point in this case is obviously its reference to Spielberg and the suggestion that it might offer something new or different with insights into the origins of a genius film maker. No such luck, as it reveals very little about where the incredible talent seen in his films came from. It is as if all of the talent, creativity, and drive came naturally. The only aha moment came right at the start, when a very young and terrified boy, Sammy Fabelman, was brought by his parents to see his first movie in a theater. That movie was The Greatest Show on Earth, and one scene in particular stood out for the kid. That scene involved a rather elaborate destruction when a train derailment! Sammy became obsessed with recreating the scene on his own using a mechanical toy train and a basic home movie camera from then on. We see next Sammy grow up in school, making various home movies as well as small school movie projects. Sammy takes on the role of director and cameraman, creating little gems with the most basic of props and tricks to achieve the effects he desired. All of this was presented in a matter-of-fact manner, with no indication of where the ideas originated. There is no strong link to any individuals or experiences that may have inspired all of these. Everything seems to come naturally!

As usual, Spielberg is ably supported by a talented ensemble cast. Sammy’s parents, are decently played by Michelle Williams and Paul Dano. In the movie they eventually divorce as their marital problems are always in the background. This is however, not seen as contributing to Sammy’s addiction to filmmaking. In fact, at times, his parents were impediments to his progress. For example, his father’s big move from city to city in pursuit of a career advancement, and the discovery of his mother’s affair, which at one point led Sammy to decide to stop making movies. Spielberg did not grow up in a happy family, but neither did many other people. The main difference is that they do not become hugely successful filmmakers. Maybe that’s the film’s unspoken message to everyone. That success can be bred in difficult circumstances!

Given the Spielberg connection, I really wanted to like this film. I grew up admiring his talent and watching a lot of his summer blockbuster movies. However, it is painfully clear to me that Spielberg passed his prime years a long time ago, and all of his new films offer little evidence of what he was once capable of. However, I am a hopeless optimist who hopes to relive Spielberg’s magic in his new ventures. The Fabelmans is just not the one.

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