The Fabelmans

 

The Fabelmans

The Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical story by Steven Spielberg. It is a tender story of love with real life disappointments. This movie has three great things going for it: script, an ensemble cast and direction.

Gabriel LaBelle plays Sammy Fabelman who is the proxy for Spielberg. From a young age he had a passion for movies. His little movie experiments grow over time and won acclaim from family and friends. LaBelle gives a sincere performance. Family dynamics are challenging and school in antisemitic 1960’s Los Angeles is brutal. The come to Jesus moment in his girlfriend’s bedroom is hilarious.

Michelle Williams is incredible. She can go from playing Marilyn Monroe to playing Spielberg’s mother. As Mitzi she is a loving and a dedicated mother who has given up much for her family and her husband’s career, but she cannot deny her desires which reach a critical point. She plays the role as a woman on the edge and must make hard choices.

Paul Dano gives his usual laconic performance as Spielberg’s father, Burt. He is too focused on his career to see the effect on his family. He is a loving father and eventually comes to support his son’s ambitions. His relationship with his wife is complex and still loves her even when she is no longer his wife.

Seth Rogan is a delightful surprise. This a totally straight role for him without overt comic tones. However, even sitting in a chair he is funny. Rogan is Burt’s best friend and part of the family. They say comics make good actors because they have timing.

Judd Hersch is Boris, Sammy’s great uncle. Hersch is a joy. If he gets any crustier, he will turn into a loaf of bread. He was in the film business, and a lion tamer, and gives Sammy some wise advice about art.

This is the worst financial production for Spielberg. It cost $40m to make and only took in $16.9m in revenue. Which means it has a great chance for best picture at the Academy Awards. It won best picture at the Golden Globes.