Some films are created solely for the purpose of entertainment, while others are crafted with the intention of conveying a timeless message. Babylon (2022) is a powerful and artistic film that serves as a tribute to the evolution of the film industry in Hollywood. Through masterful storytelling and artistic expression, Babylon captures the essence of a bygone era and immerses viewers in a richly detailed world that pulses with life and authenticity.
Seeing the names of Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie on the poster, I was anxious to watch the film. But I was almost discouraged by the length of the film —three hours! It's a good thing I wasn't dissuaded by the viewing time.
This American epic period drama begins with a focus on Manuel “Manny” Torres (played by Diego Calva, a young hustler hired to get an elephant to a party. He transports the huge animal to the party scene and witnesses a full-blown hedonistic Hollywood party comprising famous actors like Jack Conrad (played by Brad Pitt).
*[Source](https://youtu.be/5muQK7CuFtY)*Manny meets Nellie LaRoy (played by Margot Robbie) and they sniff cocaine together while sharing their dreams of becoming a part of the silver screen. Nellie reveals she wants to become a star saying “You don’t become a star, honey. You either are one or you aren’t." Manny stares at her with awe, enjoying her energy and vivacity.
After the party ends, Manny becomes attached to Jack Conrad who takes him to a movie set. From there, Manny becomes involved in movie making. As this pair’s fortunes change, so does the film world to which they have sold their souls. Can these characters handle the change especially with films shifting from silents to sound?
Review
If you are searching for a raw, dirty and honest plot, then Babylon is the film to watch! The plot is not only brilliant, the execution, transitions, cinematography and visual effects are the best. There is nothing sugar-coated about this film. You get to step into the glitz and glamour of the film industry in the 1920s and see the secrets of the silver screen. While film lovers are enchanted by the magic of the images flashing before them, few know the truth behind the scenes —that the films they love are often the result of relentless hard work, shattered dreams, sheer luck and sometimes death.
There are scenes that capture lives lost in the process of making a film. Viewers are given a glimpse behind the scenes where actors and crew members pour their hearts and souls into their work, often putting in gruelling hours and sacrificing their personal lives in pursuit of their art. For every film that made it to the big screen, countless others fell victim to production issues, financial setbacks, and studio politics. We also see how the actors and actresses handle the fame that comes with their positions.
Simply put, Babylon is a masterpiece of cinematic art. The visual effects are stunning. The story is skillfully crafted, delving into the dark underbelly of the film industry that only a select few get to see from the outside. The focus on individual actors, scenes and performances is nothing short of impressive. Despite initial impressions that it may be tedious, the film is fast-paced and every scene is executed with precision.
The talented cast ensemble, led by the fearless Margot Robbie and Diego Calva, delivers an outstanding performance that is both realistic and gripping. However, it is Brad Pitt who steals the show with his exceptional acting skills. At some point, I thought he would make it through. In his portrayal of a character grappling with lost glory and melancholy, Pitt adds depth and relatability to the film. These three are the stars and live wire of the film. Other supporting cast are great in their performances.
Overall, this is a film worth watching, even if you watch it once. It captures the history of Hollywood and this is something every film lover should know. I rate it a 4 stars out of 5.
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Other images are screenshots from the movie
