instagram insight
a love letter to film
emotionally battles family against passion
both funny and human
As Spielberg says in his pre-film interview, this is a love letter to his family. However, The Fabelmans goes further as this is a love letter to cinematography. The artistry is shown throughout and even in the final shot. In the penultimate scene, we see Sam Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle) meeting Hollywood legend Ford (David Lynch) where his word of wisdom to the young boy portraying Speilberg is to utilise the horizon to make a shot interesting. As Fabelman walks into the sunset out the back of the studio lot between the sound stages the camera adjusts to incorporate this exact sentence we’ve just heard before cutting to the credits.
We also know this is in dedication to cinematography through the comedic line ‘not unless I make a film about it’. We are watching the exact film Fabelman is referencing. It comes from an explosive scene of emotion, as Fabelman has been able to capture his long-standing bully Logan (Sam Rechner) in a different light, exposing a different side to him, a side that shows him in an almost hero-like state as opposed to the bully he’s been. Logan comes across as a hero in the short film created by Fabelman, something he’s conflicted by, why would he do that, that’s not who he is. Through embarrassment for his social standing, the pair promise not to talk about it and for no one to find out, with Fabelman jokingly replying with ‘not unless I make a film about it’. This is a beautifully layered joke. Speilberg has gone on countless times to create films that portray characters in particular ways paired with giving an audience the perspective on them that he crafts and desires. And he’s done exactly that with this.
While this film is dedicated to cinematography it is crafted strongly to show the view of families and the drama around them. It’s an emotional battle for Sam to grow up and pursue his so-called hobby. Despite the hatred of his academic father, Sammie matures from the young boy with a camera to Sam, a young man trying to break into the exclusive world of Hollywood. His hobby, however, becomes part of the family’s downfall, with his consistency to film everything. Capturing the moments his mother wishes to keep secret. Mitzi Fabelman (Michelle Williams) is a complex character as the family mother she’s distraught at her lack of support for Sam whilst battling the demons of falling in love with the wrong man, something Sam has captured on film.
The film is a light-hearted drama as opposed to a bio-pic or documentary that you might expect from a great director when they announce a film like this. The comedy elements effortlessly fit into this masterpiece focused on creating film whilst trying to retain the relationships it may break in the process. His love for filmmaking is evident when the shots from Sam creating his films are poetically used when we see him showcasing his work. The love is further emphasised by showing how quickly Sam quickly gets an understanding of special effects in film, from blood splats to bird droppings. Even the art of directing someone with little acting experience in the middle of a war film is expertly shown.
It’s a predictable film, but still beautiful. You’ll know what to expect, feel and even listen given the fact it’s scored by John Williams.
Andy Cook 