Hollywood in the Mirror: Denis Villeneuve Declares ‘The Fabelmans’ the BEST Film About Filmmaking Ever!
Hollywood has always been obsessed with itself. So much so that it created an entire subgenre of films about itself. From the golden age of Boulevard of Sunset, through modern hits like ‘Babylon’, to biopics about industry legends. But which film about filmmaking is the best? Denis Villeneuve, one of today’s most respected directors, has no doubt: it’s Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’.
What makes ‘The Fabelmans’ so special?
“This is the best film ever made about the power of cinema,” Villeneuve declared at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) awards while paying tribute to Spielberg. ‘The Fabelmans’ is a semi-autobiographical story about the childhood and coming-of-age of young Sammy Fabelman, a boy with a camera, torn between his passion for filmmaking and turbulent family relationships.
The film follows his journey from a curious boy to a young artist, with a breathtaking final scene featuring legendary director John Ford (played by David Lynch in his last acting role).
Hollywood self-love or honest drama?
Many films about Hollywood fall into the trap of self-indulgence, portraying it as a magical place when it’s not always so. ‘The Fabelmans’ manages to avoid this pitfall by balancing idealization with a strong focus on family drama and real emotions. The cast, including Paul Dano and Michelle Williams, brings depth and authenticity to the characters.
One of the most striking moments is when young Sammy watches a train crash in awe — a direct reference to a real event from Spielberg’s childhood.
Hollywood loves to talk about itself — and it’s fascinating
The film earned seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, underscoring how obsessed the film industry is with itself. But in this case, that obsession is justified. Villeneuve may be biased as a huge Spielberg fan, but it’s hard to argue with his claim that ‘The Fabelmans’ celebrates the magic of film in an imaginative and touching way.
Conclusion: Will this film change your view of Hollywood?
If you’ve ever loved films about filmmaking or are just curious to see Spielberg’s personal story, ‘The Fabelmans’ is a must-watch. It’s not just an ode to cinema but an honest story about family, passion, and growing up.
So, dear readers, what do you think? Is ‘The Fabelmans’ really the best film about filmmaking? Or is Villeneuve just another fan who lost objectivity? Drop a comment, spark a debate, or just share your favorite Hollywood film. Let the magic of movies roll on!
