Film Deep Focus - “The Fabelmans”

Story posted February 27, 2023 in Arts & Entertainment by McKenna Wall.

Steven Spielberg is an expert at capturing minds. Throughout this film, viewers can expect to escape into the world of a Jewish teenage boy, Sammy Fabelman, who is torn between his art and his family.

Judd Hirsch, playing the character of Uncle Boris, delivered a moving monologue in “The Fabelmans” that earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination for the 2023 Academy Awards.

“Family. Art. It’ll tear you in two,” Uncle Boris said. This line sets the tone for the entire film.

The details of the movie are thoughtful. From the score to the wardrobe to the dialogue, the entire picture is admirable.

The cinematography contributes to the story immensely; it is always interesting, but most notable in the final scene.

“The Fabelmans” is a love letter to dreamers. It ignites a desire to create. Fans will leave the theater ready to write a screenplay and start filming.

The story is somewhat autobiographical of Spielberg himself, portrayed as Sammy. It appears that Gabriel LaBelle, a 20-year-old Canadian-American actor, was born for the role of young Spielberg.

He acts with an endearing twinkle in his eyes and a passionate voice inflection, comparable to that of Andrew Garfield’s acting style.

Michelle Williams, who plays Sammy’s mother, also gives an exceptional performance, for which she gained a nomination for Best Actress for the 2023 Academy Awards.

Williams has the responsibility of playing two characters in one woman: a loving mother and a crazed artist.

Sammy’s mother’s selfishness and irresponsibility are her heroic traits and fatal flaws.

The same could be said about Sammy Fabelman. His passion for filmmaking battles with his relationship with his family, especially his disapproving father.

It is Sammy’s bravery and selfishness that leads to his success. He has the spirit of his mother, refusing to forget the desires of his heart. However, it is that same selfishness that breaks a relationship in the process.

“The Fabelmans” can go one of two ways for fans. It can beg to be watched over-and-over and gain appreciation each time it fills the screen. Or, it can be left to dwell in viewers’ memory as a remarkable story, never to be returned to.

Sammy’s father, played by Paul Dano, has an unusual line at the end of the movie, “We’re never going to not know each other, Sammy.”

That is exactly how viewers can expect to feel after watching this film. Watching “The Fabelmans” is like gaining an old friend. Each character is intricate and complete.

There are no loose strings by the time the credits roll except the ones tugging at the viewer’s heart.

“The Fabelmans” is an emotional marathon, leaving movie-goers satisfied and inspired at the finish line.

McKenna Wall is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email mew6140@psu.edu.