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.
