Three Oscar winning directors have used used their love of movies as inspirations for their new films.  Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelman’s”, Sam Mendes’s “Empire of Light”, and Damien Chazelle’s “Babylon” explore the power of film to tell stories.

“Babylon” looks at the transition of movies from the silent era to the talkies.  The journey of 3 characters gives us an inside look at the excesses of the roaring twenties and the heartbreak of an actor’s collapsing career.

“Empire of Light” is set in an early 1980’s coastal English town.  The relationships of the workers at a movie theater are in focus.  Mental health issues, racism, infidelity are examined.  The look of the film is classic panorama and begs for a big screen viewing.

“The Fabelmans” gives us the the inside story on Steven Spielberg’s childhood and youth.  He explores his passion for filmmaking while telling the story of his family’s struggles.  Seeing his first home movies in the context of his development was delightful.

All three movies are expressions of the beauty of film.  “Babylon” lets a director reach for the limits of debauchery.  “Empire of Light” shines a focus on a troubled woman’s need for acceptance.  And “The Fabelmans” is a mixture of warm hearted family drama with unexpected revelations.  All of them are well worth checking out!