About the film (courtesy of Paramount Pictures):
A tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood.
Maybe not quite the best, but Babylon certainly qualifies as “saving my wildest write-up for last in 2022.” As we reach the time where the year is sunsetting and also the end of films that I’ll be covering until we flip the calendar to a new beginning, I can’t think of a better way to go out with a bananas bang. Damien Chazelle must have had a lot to get off his chest when coming up with this story. I base that on content and the massive 188 minute runtime that it carries. Yep, you read that correctly, three hours and 8 minutes is the amount of time you’ll need to set aside to take this entire historical dramedy in.
While not billed as a biopic, there are certainly elements that existed in Hollywood back during the timespan that this film covers. And it’s a good thing that duration is as long as it is because the ratio of adult-themed content just in the first five minutes or so alone might have slapped it with a rating stronger than the R it generously receives. Nothing in Chazelle’s past, writing or directing, indicated tendencies that would lead one to suspect what is to come in this theatrical experience. Babylon is an absolutely fitting name for the title here as it pertains to Tinseltown.
Chazelle enlists a massive group of talented actors to help bring his story to life. Starting with the always on and ready to give whatever is needed, Brad Pitt, Babylon is full of stars in the City of Stars. Margot Robbie gives a performance equal to that of when she got her first big break and cinematic world took notice in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). Then there’s more of a lesser-known actor, Diego Calva, who also serves as one of the major anchors to this ever-evolving storyline. Finally, Jovan Adepo is the fourth branch of a formidable foursome that each offer a different flavor in this delectable cuisine prepared for varying palates.
Others joining the fun are the likes of Jean Smart, Li Jun Li, P.J. Byrne, Lukas Haas, Olivia Hamilton, Tobey Maguire, Max Minghella, Rory Scovel, Katherine Waterston, Flea, Jeff Garlin, Eric Roberts, Ethan Suplee, Samara Weaving, and Olivia Wilde. The thing with a movie this long and cast this rich, there are enough moments to allow everyone to shine in their own way. And that they do.
Babylon is not for the faint of heart. As I eluded to earlier, the adult-themed content is heavy-handed at certain points, so you might want to prepare yourselves. The enjoyment factor is top notch once you take everything into consideration as the story comes together. First of all, and coming as very little of a surprise, the score of this film is fantastic. Justin Hurwitz does what he always does, brings imagery and acting together in synchronous harmony with beautiful musical notes that will strike an inner chord with viewers and provide music to their ears.
From the costumes and set designs, Babylon feels about as authentic as a nod to the early years of Hollywood as can be. You can almost smell the gin and cigarette smoke in the theater with you. Despite the aggressively long runtime, there are not many lulls in interesting moments on screen. Therefore, your time spent in a sitting position won’t be as grueling as you might think.
For those looking for a mature movie with some lighter moments, fine acting, snazzy tunes and a gripping story to accompany it, Babylon just might be the break you need this holiday season. This is, assuming of course, you’re not looking for a movie for the entire family to enjoy. This certainly isn’t that type of film.
You can see Babylon only in theaters starting Friday, December 23rd with limited showings the day before. Don’t miss the next Damien Chazelle feature that everyone will be talking about during the holidays.
