From 12/05/2022 press screening:
It's like Las Vegas in all its glamorous excess in a movie form.
The movie follows the intertwined lives of three characters in the movie business in the Roaring ‘20s. An aspiring, rebellious actress who decided she's a star even before she’s discovered (Nellie LaRoy, Margot Robbie), a blue-collar worker who dreams to be in a movie set (Manny Torres, Diego Calva), and a famous movie star at the prime of his career (Jack Conrad, Brad Pitt).
Starry-eyed dreams come true, detour and crash. While fame may fade and friendship endures, it’s also a cautionary tale. Everything will eventually run its course, although there’s a lot to be said about making the kind of life choices that could either propel you or destroy you. And just because you’ve made it, it doesn’t mean you will stay at the top. Things will not stay the same and you will have to adapt and accept.
Being in a movie not only allows you to be a part of something bigger and something that lasts. It means something, not only to you but also to the masses that enjoy your movies. It's also the ultimate escape from real life. Movies scenes may look and feel real, but they're illusions.
Robbie ("The Wolf of Wall Street") is fiercely magnetic in all that is asked of her. Calva is the central connector and is most earnest in his performance. Pitt (“Ad Astra,” "Allied," "The Big Short") portrays that aging movie star persona just right. Tobey Maguire ("Spider Man: No Way Home," “Pawn Sacrifice”) pops up late for the craziest scenes of his career.
The sensational sets, wild decadence, bizarre sequences, manic energy and chaotic movements, adjacent to silent cinema and perfectly lit golden hour shots, are carried by incredible live music.
Did I say incredible live music? Yes, the movie feels long and there are a couple of lengthy, out-there sequences that could be cut, but if you also love music, concerts, jazz, blues, et al go see it for the music! The extended, energetic beats throughout will entrance and stay with you way after the movie cuts to black. Director Damien Chazelle hasn't left his "La La Land" roots.
The mechanic and magic of movie-making have never been so raucous and breathless at the same time. The transition from silent movie-making to sound cinema is fascinating to watch. This is made for movie-making lovers. If you love movies that are love notes to Hollywood (“Hail, Caesar!,” “Trumbo”), you’ll enjoy “Babylon,” despite the running time of over three hours.
Boisterously and lavishly messy, ambitious, audacious... "Babylon" is a shock and awe to the senses and outrageously engrossing.