Spielberg's Most Poignant Masterwork The Fabelmans

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Loosely based on Steven Spielberg's childhood, The Fabelmans transcends autobiography to explore universal values and truths about dreams and family.

At its core, The Fabelmans dramatizes a love triangle of three family members torn between passion and family. Young Sammy Fabelman's burning desire to direct movies clashes with his father, an ambitious computer pioneer who dismisses filmmaking as just “a hobby.” Sammy’s mother – a former concert pianist – finds herself divided between family loyalty and an overwhelming love for her husband's best friend. Having surrendered her own artistic dreams, she desperately urges Sammy to keep his alive. Sammy desires his career but also needs his family.

Dreams versus family.

The film's thematic heart beats in the mother's words: “You don’t owe anyone your life.” Through this lens, The Fabelmans becomes a profound drama on the cost – and necessity – of honoring one's truest self. Your dreams.

Just one brief note about the truly exceptional filmmaking of The Fablemans:

In this most recent of his films, Spielberg's directing achieves remarkable subtlety and power, echoing his mentor John Ford's mastery of implication. Pivotal scenes - a charged camp dance, a secret video viewing, an unhinged uncle's moment of clarity, and a devastating photo revelation - powerfully dramatize deep values.

These scenes resonate not just through their artistry, but through how they advance the story's core theme and storyline: The clash between personal passion and family bonds.

A masterclass in visual storytelling, The Fabelmans speaks to anyone who has ever felt torn between who they are and who others need them to be. A must-watch for artists, real or still being imagined.

Now streaming on ABCIview in Australia and on Amazon and Apple TV in the US.

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Stories are ideas in conflict and action

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