A filmmaker's journey

Steven Spielberg has tackled some tough subjects in his career, such as the Holocaust ("Schindler's List") and D-Day ("Saving Private Ryan"). Now he has taken on perhaps his toughest topic: his own life. "The Fabelmans" is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age drama based on Spielberg's adolescence and early years as a director. It is his most personal and intimate film.

It is the story of young Sammy Fabelman, eldest child of Burt and Mitzi Fabelman. Mitzi is a talented pianist who gave up her dreams to raise a family. Burt is an ambitious engineer whose career eventually brings the family to California. Sammy develops a love of movies and longs to make his own films. Mitzi encourages him to pursue his dreams, while Burt dismisses it as a hobby. Sammy begins to make films with the help of his family and friends, but one about a camping trip leads to a shocking discovery. Sammy develops his talent as he watches his family break up. Sammy continues to pursue his dream of becoming a filmmaker, and a chance encounter with legendary director John Ford proves he's on the right path.

"The Fabelmans" is one of Steven Spielberg's best films . It's not really his autobiography, but more a fond and wistful look back at his childhood. Spielberg shows both the good and bad times in the sharp, perceptive screenplay he co-wrote with Tony Kushner. Their script is sentimental but full of good lines, touching moments, and beautifully drawn characters. 

He gets excellent help from his many collaborators. Janusz Kaminsky's camera bathes the film in bright colors and a warm, nostalgic glow. Mark Bridges' costumes capture the look and fashions of the period. Editors Michael Kahn and Sarah Broshar keep the 151-minute film moving swiftly. John Williams contributes a sparse but beautiful musical score, with a haunting main theme.

And then there is the cast. The young actors who play Sammy's friends and siblings are very good. Serh Rogen, Judd Hirsch, and Jeannie Berlin are excellent in supporting roles. Paul Dano is moving as Burt, and so is Marco Zoyon Francis-DeFord as the young Sammy. But the movie belongs to its two best performers. Michelle Williams gives the performance of the year as Mitzi- delicate, poignant, and very real. At times she says so much with just a look or body language. Watch how Mitzi's emotions splash across her expressive face at any moment. And Gabriel LaBelle matches her as older Sammy. He proves to be a real find here- quirky, tender, stunning, and the perfect embodiment of Spielberg's teen self. Together, they are the movie's heart and soul.

So is its director. The movie shows just how much of himself Steven Spielberg poured into it. This is his best work in years. He keeps the film moving briskly but never hurried, and visually stunning (some of the camera angles are breathtaking). He allows the story to unfold at a deliberate pace and under total control. Spielberg completely empathizes with his characters, and once again proves himself a master at getting the best from his actors. "The Fabelmans" is proof that Steven Spielberg is still the best filmmaker of his time.

It's also by far the best movie of the year.

https://search.liverbrary.com/record=b5796557 DVD

https://search.livebrary.com/record=b5799916 blu-ray

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