Paul Dano is set to have a stellar 2022, recently starring in The Batman alongside Robert Pattinson, before he joins Michelle Williams in The Fabelmans later this year. The actor will play a fictionalized version of Steven Spielberg’s father in the film, as the movie will be the most personal from the longtime filmmaker in his career so far.
The Fabelmans follows Sammy Fabelman, a version of Spielberg himself, growing up in post-World War II era Arizona. He aspires to be a filmmaker but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth. Dano stars opposite Williams, with the two being an embodiment of Spielberg’s parents. Dano recently sat down with Vanity Fair, where he discussed his first meeting with the iconic director and how “emotionally open” Spielberg was during their talks.
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The Fabelmans stars Gabriel LaBelle, Judd Hirsch, Seth Rogen, Keeley Karsten, and more alongside Dano and Williams. Fans can witness the childhood of Steven Spielberg when The Fabelmans arrives in theaters on Nov. 23.
“Well, I got a text saying Steven Spielberg wants to meet you. I text back saying, ‘Great, just tell me when.’ I was really nervous to meet him and as soon as he started speaking, I was taken aback at how emotionally open and available and intuitive he was. I was put at ease pretty quickly. Our first meeting was a conversation I really enjoyed and felt good about. When he told me what the film was about, which I didn’t know going into the Zoom, I had a big feeling — I’m not an actor who thinks they should play every part or even wants to play every part, but as soon as he told me what it was about him, I really thought, ‘Ah, this sounds right.’”
Paul Dano Says Steven Spielberg Helped him Channel his Father’s Energy
Universal Pictures
Paul Dano has the daunting task of playing Steven Spielberg’s father, albeit a fictionalized one. Dano was quick to tell Vanity Fair that he wasn’t striving for mimicry or imitation but wanted to bring the same energy his father had into his performance. Unfortunately, Dano never met Spielberg’s parents before their passing, meaning he looked through hours of old footage to get a proper feel for Arnold Spielberg’s essence.
Steven Spielberg’s latest film is sure to be an awards season contender, and the director is no stranger to the Oscars. His previous accomplishments include a Best Director and Best Picture win for Schindler’s List and another Best Director for Saving Private Ryan.
“I had so many resources: Steven himself, and then an incredible, almost embarrassing access to Steven’s family and his family archives — eight millimeter footage, photographs. His father was a rather brilliant computer engineer. There were interviews that his dad had done and he was also in World War II, so there were interviews about that that had been recorded. Steven’s sisters would come to set. But mimicry or imitation was not of interest to anyone, I don’t think, on this. It was more about capturing the essence of Arnold and bringing that through Burt. I do think it’s different. And then there’s Paul somewhere in there, whether we like it or not. There’s a reason you’re asked to be there, no matter how different from yourself you want to be or how transformative. There’s some part of your unconscious that’s coming along.”
Paul Dano and Michelle Williams will also likely see some recognition for their performance this award season. Additionally, you can check out our review of The Fabelmans, found here.
