#5 - Movies

 The Fabelmans 

Steven Spielberg has directed major blockbusters and movie classics for half a century. Spielberg is one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood, considering he is one of the greatest directors of all time. His work is brilliant, making one wonder where his inspiration comes from. In his 2022 film, Spielberg recounts a slightly doctored tale of his childhood through the fictional family, the Fabelmans. 

The film focuses on Sammy Fabelman, based on Spielberg, as he finds passion for filmmaking while dealing with familial struggles. Although parts of the film aren't factual, most of The Fabelmans mirrors Speilbergs own childhood. Despite reflecting on his experiences in his other films, Speilberg - with encouragement from his parents- wanted to officially tell the story of his past and how it shaped him into the director he is today. 

I found the film absolutely phenomenal. One aspect of the film discussed the differences between analytical thinkers and artists. People find their passion in many things, but some need help understanding art, primarily when pursued as a career. In Sammy's case, his father could not comprehend chasing a dream over a steady income. I have a love for art, especially the art of storytelling. The Fabelmans portrayed the beauty of making art through an exceptional piece of art itself. I also found Spielberg's passion admirable. 

My favorite part of the movie is when Sammy, a teenager, becomes emotional while directing a film with his friends. This reflects Speilberg's love of storytelling while adding depth regarding the complications he is experiencing at home. It also highlights his mastery and skillset at a young age. 

Speilberg uses emotion and humor to tell a beautiful story of art, passion, acceptance, family, and love. The Fabelmans has around 40 nominations and has won several awards this year, including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, a Golden Globe for Best Director, a Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer, and AFI's Movies of the Year. 

According to Rotten Tomatoes, The Fabelmans has an 83% audience score. Some reviews say the film was boring, but others claim it was a "love letter to cinema." Which, I agree. According to The Guardian: 

"An element of autobiography has long fuelled Spielberg’s work, most notably in ET the Extra-Terrestrial, which combines crowd-pleasing allegorical sci-fi with tear-jerking personal memoir. The Fabelmans is more down-to-earth, yet crucially less universal."

The Fabelmans quickly became one of my top-rated films. Mainly due to its portrayal of art and the passion one must have to create it. Film and storytelling are among the most exceptional and popular art mediums worldwide. To learn the story of the one who brought us Jaws, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, The Color Purple, Catch Me If You Can, and more, is fantastic. However, The Fabelmans brings much more than just Spielbergs autobiography. It is a love story to the cinema and touches the hearts of many who watch it. Furthermore, I recommend this film to anyone who loves art and cinema and enjoys Spielberg's many classic films.