Babylon

 

Babylon is a comedy-drama that features an all-star cast including Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and Diego Calva. It tells the story of Hollywood actors during the transition from silent films to talkies in the late 1920s, showcasing the true nature and debauchery of Hollywood, as opposed to the glamour it was perceived to be.

The plot was engaging and mixed elements of suspense, comedy, and drama. The film tackled themes such as excess, addiction, power dynamics, and the struggles faced by marginalized groups trying to break into a film industry dominated by white men. Director Damien Chazelle aptly described Babylon as "a hate letter to Hollywood and a love letter to movies."

The production design was impressive with hair, costumes, and makeup that felt authentic to the time period. The cinematography was also noteworthy, particularly during the party scenes where it was larger than life.

Despite the great cast, I was disappointed with the lack of deeper character development, particularly for Jovan Adepo's Sidney Palmer. However, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva delivered impressive performances. Robbie's portrayal of Nellie LaRoy was a standout, displaying a range of emotions and complexities. Her chemistry with Calva's Manny Torres was also commendable.

In the end, the film's runtime felt too long, and certain plot points could have been wrapped up sooner. While the story was intriguing and the acting was top-notch, I don't think I would watch this film again.