‘Babylon’ Review – Newcomer Diego Calva Prevails Alongside Powerhouse Performances

Synopsis: From Damien Chazelle, BABYLON is an original epic set in 1920s Los Angeles led by Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva, with an ensemble cast including Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li and Jean Smart. 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.

At some point in life, you have to take that leap. You must disregard what people think of you now, not give a damn how they may think of you in the future, and go after what you want. It’s your life, not theirs. Let them be the ones that harbor regret. Try out for that thing, take that gig, apply for that job, ask out that person, buy that item, get that haircut, move to that place, see that therapist, and stand up for yourself. We do ourselves a disservice every time that we don’t take the initiative, when we don’t attempt. The worst that can happen is that you fail, you get a negative response, or it just doesn’t work out, but at least you tried. And you can always try again or you can take comfort in the fact that you gave it your best shot and it just wasn’t meant to be. It’s cool to dream, but it’s satisfying to do.

“I just want to be a part of something bigger.”

If you think Hollywood is wild now, strap in for this debaucherous trip to the past. Directed by Damien Chazelle, Babylon is a rambunctious cocaine-fueled journey through the backdoor of old Hollywood. This is a peek under the veil that is whispered about but rarely seen by the eyes of the unglamorous. Driven by highly chaotic energy, ambition, and the need to be a “somebody,” this film is nothing short of a grandiose spectacle draped in golden age trimmings. Taking place in the late 1920s to early 1930s, just as the movie industry is transitioning from silent films to talkies, we are thrust into a world of unbridled decadence and a hedonistic culture of sex, drugs, parties, and power. Following six intertwining stories, we get six complete character arcs and six very different entertainment perspectives. What connects them all is our main protagonist, Manny who is played by American cinema first-timer, Diego Calva. Wanting to make a name for himself while being a man who gets things done, Manny serves as the linchpin of the story as his determination puts everything in motion.

“Welcome to the asshole of Los Angeles.”

The first thirty minutes of this film are WILD. It’s quite possibly the craziest introduction to characters that you’ve seen all year. From there, the film maintains a lively and unpredictable nature. From an orgy, a rattlesnake fight, drug and gambling addiction, selling out, to the depths of a questionable dank cave, anything can happen and anything goes. Craziness aside, this film is led by phenomenal acting, masterful direction, and a story that has everything you want. All that combined equates to one of the best films of the year. There are huge stars, love, action, tons of drama, and plenty of happenings to keep you entertained during its 3-hour runtime. At the intersection of aspirations, talent, race relations, and legacy, the story is just as introspective and explorative as it is salacious. It has a jaunty score that wraps itself around every scene, captivating cinematography, and stunning production design. This is an unforgettable movie experience that you won’t want to miss. I enjoyed Babylon a great deal. Its rewatchability is high.

 

Pacing & Pop

The pacing is fantastic. There’s a musical rhythm to it that is quite enjoyable. What popped for me was the vivacious and unexpected nature of the film. It’s able to keep your full attention and you never know what is going to transpire next. However, if I had to choose a moment, it would be the scene where Nellie

 

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo, 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, Olivia Wilde

What an amazing ensemble cast. Newcomer Diego Calva prevails alongside powerhouse performances by numerous decorated actors and actresses. He not only takes this film where it needs to go but showcases immense talent. It should go without saying but I’ll say it anyway, Margot Robbie is absolutely electric as the talented and wildly incalculable Nellie LaRoy. She continues to show and prove that she is in the upper echelon in her craft. Brad Pitt as Jack Conrad exudes an extreme level of comfort and ease in front of the camera. His charisma and coolness explode off the screen. There is also a meta moment that seems to mirror his real-life career in a way that is rather saddening. With stories that aren’t quite as large, Jovan Adepo, Jean Smart, and Li Jun Li as Sidney Palmer, Elinor St. John, and Lady Fay Zhu respectively, have fantastic and important character arcs.

Babylon releases in theaters on December 23, 2022. Stay safe and enjoy.

Rated: R

Runtime: 3h 8m

Director: Damien Chazelle

Writer: Damien Chazelle

Producers: Marc Platt, p.g.a., Matthew Plouffe, p.g.a., Olivia Hamilton, p.g.a.

Executive Producers: Michael Beugg, Tobey Maguire, Wyck Godfrey, Helen Estabrook, Adam Siegel

Music by: Justin Hurwitz

Director of Photography: Linus Sandgren