The Fabelmans
★ ★★★★
"Movies are dreams that you never forget." ~ Mitzi Fabelman
Never has a movie line spoken to my heart like this one. I don't ever have a need to get a tattoo, but if I ever do, I'll consider inking this quote onto my arm.
Yes, The Fabelmans is about the love of movies and the movie-making process, but it's also about how the moments in our life thread together for a bigger moment (I'm stealing that sentiment made from my father-in-law, Steve Graham). Knowing that this Steven Spielberg film is semi-autobiographical is the obvious hook to get you to see this film, but it's really a ruse to explore the intricacies of family, art and creativity. What makes us who we really are, blood or artistic inspiration? Which one is more important? Do we have any control over which plays more of an impact in our life?
These deep, introspective questions are wrapped into what Spielberg has always done best, entertain us. Behind every philosophical quandary are coming-of-age scenes that everyone will relate to, regardless if they have ever picked up a camera or not. I will admit, there are key scenes in this film that I really, really connected to. I have been the kid editing late into the night. I have been the kid who made a rip-off western with his friends. Despite my own personal connections, I think The Fabelmans is an extremely accessible film that all ages will connect to in one way or another. Yes, it's a celebration of film, but more so, it's a celebration of ambition and the things in life that make up who we are.
