“The Fabelmans”: Spielberg’s Semi-Autobiographical Drama

Steven Spielberg is one of the great American cultural icons of the last century. The celebrated director of Jaws, ET the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park has entertained, inspired, and stirred the imaginations of moviegoers for decades. As a businessman, he helped change the paradigm in American cinema from New Hollywood, mired by the self-indulgence of its directors, toward the blockbuster model of fantastical storytelling that is now standard Hollywood practice, for better or worse.

His sentimental, wondrous, family-friendly style of filmmaking set the tone in Hollywood for many years as the man became synonymous with his own cinematic approach. His name was so associated with a particular presentation that it was a bit of a novelty when he made solemn films of a higher pedigree. Not all were receptive to Spielberg’s attempts to make personal or serious movies. For example, one critic said that Schindler’s List is an attempt by Spielberg to “merchandise the Holocaust.” But Schindler’s List proved to be a critical and commercial success, giving Spielberg the opportunity to mature as a filmmaker and tell stories like Saving Private Ryan and his latest, The Fabelmans.

The film is a semi-autobiographical account of Spielberg’s coming-of-age. Set in the 1950s and 60s, it tells the story of teenage filmmaker Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle). After becoming enamored with the power of cinema after watching The Greatest Show on Earth by Cecil B. DeMille, he lives life often through the lens of a camera. His parents Burt and Mitzie (Paul Dano and Michelle Williams respectively) are generally supportive of his hobby of making super-8 millimeter horror, Western, and war movies, where his sisters and friends helped in the productions. His creativity as a budding auteur is undeniable and his family ultimately sees his filmmaking as more than an expensive pastime. As he grows into manhood, he experiences joyous and painful rites such as moving to a new city, a first love, and bullying by classmates.

The Fabelmans is an engaging family drama that gives insight into the early life of one of America’s great storytellers. LaBelle gives a breakthrough performance as the ingenious young artist destined for Hollywood greatness. Dano and Williams are exceptional as parents whose relationship is tried as their lives unfold. Veteran actor Judd Hirsh steals every scene he’s in as an uncle, once a lion-tamer, who visits the family and encourages Sammy’s filmmaking.

It contemplates more thoroughly the familiar Spielbergian theme of the awes and aches of growing up. It is certainly his most personal film to date. “I’ve told this story in parts and parcels all throughout my career,” he told the audience after winning his third Golden Globe for Best Director earlier this month. He cited ET and Close Encounters of the Third Kind as having to do with the story that became The Fabelmans. The film went on to win the Golden Globe for Best Picture – Drama later that evening, becoming the fourth Spielberg film to win the award. 

Despite the critical accolades that now include seven Academy Award nominations, The Fabelmans has not put up blockbuster numbers at the box office. Spielberg’s 2022 remake of West Side Story performed similarly. It may be too seen to determine why audiences have not embraced these recent works compared to Spielberg’s others. Even virtuosos do not always bat one thousand.

Regardless, this story of an enterprising young artisan will inspire audiences. Entrepreneurs can find much to appreciate about Sammy Fabelman’s energized tenacity and ambitious creativity. As Spielberg is a successful tycoon himself, The Fabelmans can perhaps teach us something about how to succeed, regardless of one’s chosen career path.