Babylon review

 

I've been a Damien Chazelle fan for quite some time now. From La, La Land and Whiplash to The First Man he has proved to be quite the excellent filmmaker over the years. So now with this his newest movie can it succeed or will it be the beginning of his end?? Babylon is a masterfully crafted piece of cinema that is at it's essence a tribute to cinema itself. The story follows the story of three different characters who stories all intertwine with one another. Firstly there is Margot Robbie who knows she is a star, wants to be a star but isn't quite a star yet. The energy she brings to the role especially at the beginning is absolutely stellar. This is arguably her greatest ever performance it's really that good. She oozes sex appeal and charisma and will take your breath away. 

Secondly is Brad Pitt who plays a big movie star, and Diego Calva who is a dreamer just wanting to be a part of the movies. It's all brilliantly told with a big, brash and loud soundtrack in the background. The many highs and lows of a person are put to the forefront here and it's utterly fascinating to take it all in. It is of course all inside of a movie that is beautifully shot with lingering camera shots, over the top dancing sequences and some utterly bonkers goings on. 

Babylon isn't the best movie by Damien Chazelle but it is pretty close. The performances are top quality. The story is really strong and there is some great scenes here including the breakdown of a movie scene actually seen from the actor and crews part which was so good. Margot Robbie is a revelation along with Diego Calva who really are starstruck lovers never meant to be thanks to the lifestyle and overall temptations of the big time in Hollywood. Babylon is a fabulous time to be had and at just over 3 hours in length it sure does earn your attention and respect by the time the credits begin to roll. 

★★★★