Steven Spielberg is a quintessential part of the entertainment world we immerse ourselves in today, the creative mind behind our most beloved films. The Fabelmans is his latest creative project, which celebrated its world premiere at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival.
The film follows Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), as he discovers his interest in making films, encouraged by his eccentric, artistic mother (Michelle Williams) and rather reluctant father (Paul Dano). The film chronicles Sammy’s journey as he navigates the minefields that are his home and school life, using filmmaking as a means to define his identity.
This movie is a real treat, and one for the history books.
Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle) and his friend in ‘The Fabelmans’ | Photo © 2022 Universal Studios and Amblin EntertainmentA story for the ages
The film is based on Spielberg’s life, reflecting on his childhood, him growing up in multiple different cities always with a camera in tow, and of course the divorce of his parents. It is pretty powerful to be able to step into and reflect on anyone’s actual life, let alone that of an acclaimed and master filmmaker like Spielberg.
I will admit I went into this film expecting a bit of a drag.
At 151 minutes, its not exactly short. However, not once did I feel the length. The story is well knit, paced, and exceptionally engaging. You are captivated by Sammy’s journey, starting off with his exposure to film and then of course his journey dabbling in it. Spielberg and Kushner has woven together a story with exceptional substance, developing a central character that becomes our journey’s vessel, while introducing very dynamic and complex characters around him that help define his purpose and motivations.
What I absolutely appreciate was that while the characters were complex and the story dealt with everything from anti-Semitism to interfamily issues to bullying, the story was a comfortable watch. It stimulated your mind and senses enough to keep you captivated and engaged, but didn’t try to make you work by being overly clever. It’s a beautifully simple story that connects and pulls your heart-strings.
While a movie is definitely the catalyst in Sammy’s journey, the film’s story is such an ode to the filmmaking and the magic that it creates. In every turn, the storytelling format gets highlighted as the ultimate star, the vehicle through which every character evolves. It’s poetic and beautiful. It is through film that Spielberg actually makes yet another important highlight: the value of family, and what it means to be family. Whether referencing Sammy’s actual family, or the family he creates in his world of film, there is a personal touch to the story and that makes it very strong.
L-R: Monica Sherwood (Chloe East), Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), Haddash Fabelman (Jeannie Berlin), Burt Fabelman (Paul Dano), Lisa Fabelman (Sophia Kopera), Reggie Fabelman (Julia Butters), Natalie Fabelman (Keeley Karsten) and Mitzi Fabelman (Michelle Williams) in ‘The Fabelmans’ | Photo © 2022 Universal Studios and Amblin EntertainmentMaster filmmaker, sophisticated cast
You can sense the personal nature of this film, something Spielberg has definitely highlighted in his press conferences. I could visualize his filmmaking journey, and what sparked his curiosity in the medium to tell stories. With that salient point in my mind, it made the film a truly wonderful journey to follow. Spielberg masterfully incorporates depth into character development, while still leaving room for interpretation; just how we behave with all forms of art.
The cast in this film are just magnificent, especially LaBelle as Sammy. LaBelle is so grounded in his performance, convincing you of his character’s love of film, while also showing a much deeper, intellectual and emotional side. You see a character with layers being peeled off as he opens himself and his opinions to the world, assisted by his filmmaking adventures. With every film he creates, you see a more confident Sammy, and LaBelle beautifully paces that growth.
Both Williams and Dano’s craft these opposite characters that provide the perfect yin yang environment for Sammy to explore and find his passion. Dano brings forward a very grounded, sophisticated character that provides the necessary foundation for Sammy’s growth. His performance is crisp and refined, and much appreciate in this film. Williams on the other hand is simply phenomenal. Her characters smile and colourful personality is captured beautifully by Williams, while also hiding a darker, more broken internal character that actually is pivotal to Sammy’s journey.
I also appreciated the performances by the rest of the supporting cast. Judd Hirsch needs no introduction, and his presence in this film was powerful and pivoting. The sisters, played by Julia Butters, Sophia Kopera and Keeley Karsten, were an important part of the Fabelman family and the performances were wonderful. You could see the care in which Spielberg presented these characters, without doubt reflecting on his own sisters.
Then there is Seth Rogen. His character Bennie Loewy impacts just about everyone in this film. Rogen brought his usual can of humour to the table, providing the lightness that Spielberg in those scenes dealing with interfamily issues.
L-R: Paul Dano and Michelle Williams as Burt and Mitzi Fabelman respectively in ‘The Fabelmans’ | Photo © 2022 Universal Studios and Amblin EntertainmentA fitting tribute to film
I don’t know if it was sheer luck or something else, but The Fabelmans is a truly wonderful film to have premiere now. With audiences returning to theatres in full capacity for the first time in two years, watching a film celebrating the magic of filmmaking just felt poetic. TIFF has always advocated for and promoted film to all audiences, encouraging youth to engage in and watch films year round. This felt right in every way.
Also, Spielberg’s film is a a celebration of how much filmmaking has changed over the years; the creativity that went into the development of a moving picture with the limited tools of the time. That is on display in all its glory in this film, and is a fitting tribute.
Spielberg has created something magical with The Fabelmans that will go down in the history books as yet another Spielberg classic that we are going to reflect back on.
The Fabelmans plays as part of the Special Presentations programme at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival.
Cover Image: L-R: Paul Dano, Mateo Zoryon Francis-DeFord, and Michelle Williams as Burt, Young Sammy and Mitzi Fabelman respectively in The Fabelmans | Photo © 2022 Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment.
