THE FABELMANS - Review | TIFF 2022

Steven Spielberg's latest film while charming ends up feeling bloated and overlong for trying to tell the entirety of how he grew up. As a result, it lacks focus by not fully delving into each of the ideas that it introduces. But for what's presented on screen, it's very easy to connect to how and why filmmaking became Spielberg's passion and how it helped him deal with his separate struggles. Along with its exquisite visuals/framing and the incredible cast that are each given range and standout moments. The Fabelmans results in being a slightly corny but emotionally resonating memoir that also includes one of the best cameos in recent memory.

Still Courtesy - Universal Pictures

Ever since watching The Greatest Show on Earth (1952), Sammy Fabelman (later portrayed by Gabriel LaBelle) becomes obsessed with filmmaking which turns into his biggest passion and hobby. As he grows from a young boy to a young adult, Sammy continues developing his love for film by making more while dealing with antisemitism and increasing tension with his family, primarily between his mother (portrayed by Michelle Williams) and father (portrayed by Paul Dano).

Spielberg is clearly someone who needs no introduction. Despite his current work not comparing in quality to his earlier films. It’s hard to imagine the film industry being the same without his influence. Now after five decades of going from making one classic to another. He finally decides to have us know the question we’ve had for so long. What was Spielberg’s story before he was involved in the film industry? Well, The Fabelmans will surely provide all those answers without really condensing them down.

Director James Gray released his own memory piece just like Spielberg titled Armageddon Time following a kid part of a Jewish family who wants to become an artist. Needless to say, the two films have their comparisons. However, Gray’s film ends up being more effective by focusing on a specific aspect of his childhood which is when he becomes aware of America's societal expectations and how that impacts his life. For Spielberg's film, it seems like it'll be focused on his love for creating movies and the repercussions he had to deal with. But as the film progresses, the main focus starts jumping from one storyline to another. So by the end of the film, it lacks feeling like a cohesive whole for having all these storylines and never fully developing each of them.

Despite the inclusion of an amazing cameo that makes the film end on a high note. Its long runtime starts becoming apparent when you're just watching Spielberg's childhood presented on screen without there being a central hook guiding the sequence of events. Even if the film just feels like an excuse for Spielberg to recreate his childhood memories. This being a very personal story, he certainly pulls it off when it comes to making viewers emotionally resonate with the lead character. How someone like him could become obsessed with the art of filmmaking and how that helped him connect with his family despite going through hard times. Along with the framing choices including one near the beginning of making a train set feel like a real one and Gabriel LaBelle who sells every emotion required and makes the lead character feel believable. This aspect ends up being the biggest takeaway which seems like one of Spielberg's main intents.

Luckily, none of the actors part of the main ensemble feel wasted due to the film letting each one have their moment to leave an impact. Paul Dano and Michelle Williams as the parents especially end up having a really watchable and dynamic presence where they know exactly how subdued a scene requires them to be. Even if the casting, sets, and scenes feel as authentic and genuine as they could be since they're coming straight from the mind of the man who lived through these moments. If the film lacks feeling focused or tries too hard to bring together too many ideas all at once. Then it won't result in being as effective as it's trying to be. Regardless, there's still enough to enjoy about The Fabelmans, especially for those interested in knowing where Spielberg's movie-making passion came from, even though there are better and more impactful semi-autobiographical movies about filmmakers out there.

Verdict

7/10

Still Courtesy - Universal Pictures