Review: ‘Babylon’ is a Riveting Depiction of the Rise and Fall of Hollywood Stars in a Cutthroat Industry

As a director whose favourite films include Hollywood hits like “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Casablanca,” “Babylon” feels like a fitting film to come from Damien Chazelle. It’s a star-studded flick that takes its characters through the best and worst parts of fame on a stirring journey fueled by aspiration and the desire to be involved in something bigger than them. Chazelle’s entertaining dramedy highlights the raucous hedonism that ran rife in 1920s Hollywood and the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.

Los Angeles, 1920 sets the scene for “Babylon,” and we first meet Manny Torres (Diego Calva), a Mexican immigrant and assistant who aspires to have a significant role within the film industry. When we’re first introduced to him, he’s in the process of transporting an elephant to a studio executive’s mansion for a star-studded party. While at said party, Manny meets aspiring actress Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie), and after snorting a lot of cocaine, the pair form a whirlwind friendship set to stand the test of time (and fame). From that night we see Manny and Nellie rise through the ranks of Hollywood as they round off an ensemble of characters, including Brad Pitt as successful film star Jack Conrad, an intoxicating cabaret singer called Lady Fay Zhu (Li Jun Li), and skilful trumpeter Sydney Palmer (Javon Adepo). “Babylon” follows this talented group as they try to make their way in the big machine we call Hollywood. So, will they make it? Or will they crash and burn like many that came before them.

Calva and Robbie Lead an All-Star Cast

Diego Calva, whose start in the industry is similar to his on-screen counterpart, gives a star-making turn as Manny Torres. The “Narcos: Mexico” star delivers a sensational performance that radiates a type of authenticity and sincerity that smoothly draws you into his performance. Despite “Babylon” being Calva’s Hollywood debut, he skilfully holds his own amongst industry heavyweights like Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and Jean Smart. Robbie gives a marvellous turn as up-and-coming star Nellie LaRoy, showing off her Oscar-worthy talent in a thoroughly entertaining yet emotional performance. She and Calva share electric chemistry that seamlessly elevates “Babylon” to a whole new level.

Brad Pitt brings the character of Jack Conrad to life, a character based on successful silent-era actor, John Gilbert. Pitt gives yet another strong performance in a role that feels made for him. At one point in the film, he shares a poignant scene with “Hacks” star Jean Smart (who plays fictional writer and columnist Elinor St. John) in which Elinor tells Jack that although the spark in his career may be fizzling, he’ll be immortalised in the movies he makes; he will never be forgotten. Jovan Adepo, who learned to play the trumpet for his role as Syndey Palmer, also appears, a character inspired by jazz bandleader and businessman Curtis Mosby. He delivers a performance full of grit and stalwartness that allows him to shine in every scene he’s in. Tobey Maguire should also receive recognition for his performance as James McKay, a character seemingly based on illegal gambling kingpin Jack Dragna. Despite Maguire’s only having a short storyline, his story and unsettling character are easily the scariest parts of “Babylon”

Damien Chazelle Again Creates a Filmmaking Adventure

Damien Chazelle delivers a masterclass in filmmaking with “Babylon.” The Oscar-winner crafts a fulfilling film full of vibrant entertainment and intense passion, all while balancing an abundance of sex and drug-fueled chaos with heartfelt emotion. Chazelle brings audiences a true love letter to cinema and takes viewers on a journey through the vast and intricate history of cinema. The film expertly fills its hefty three hour run-time with not a dull moment from start to finish, with the film feeling like organised chaos made for the Big Screen. Also, “Babylon” isn’t the only recent film to showcase an admiration for cinema; Sam Mendes’ “Empire of Light” also shows a deep fondness for the cinematic art form, and joins “Babylon” on a long list of films that feel like a billet-doux to cinema.

Linus Sandgren, who previously won an Oscar after working with Chazelle on his 2016 flick “La La Land,” provides “Babylon” with stunning visuals that capture the beauty of Los Angeles and the chaos of moviemaking. Sandgren’s work also highlights the authenticity and detail in Florencia Martin’s (“Licorice Pizza,” “Blonde”) production design, from fictional film sets to luxurious Los Angeles mansions and lush furnishings. Also reuniting with Chazelle for this film is Editor Tom Cross, the Oscar-winning editor works his magic once again with exceptional results, including perfectly timed cuts that smoothly immerse you into the organised madness of “Babylon.” If it wasn’t obvious enough that Chazelle enjoys collaborating with the same crew for every project, he also reunites with composer and long-time friend Justin Hurwitz. The skilled composer creates an effervescent score that encapsulates the outrageous moments and the intricate emotion. Tracks like “Voodoo Mama” and the aptly named “Coke Room” capture the euphoric spirit of “Babylon” with ease.

An Affair Full of Excitement

Damien Chazelle’s latest directorial effort is an outrageous and hedonistic affair full to the brim with excitement. “Babylon” is a spectacle to behold, a mammoth three hours of sex, drugs, alcohol, and explosive emotion pulled together with stellar direction from one of Hollywood’s most exciting filmmakers. Diego Calva and Margot Robbie power this star-studded vehicle to new heights. They take the audience on a riveting adventure following the rise and downfall of Hollywood stars as they try to succeed in a cut-throat industry.

“Babylon” was released in theaters on Dec. 23rd. It is slated for a possible February/March release on streaming.