
Movie spotlight
Babylon
Two young girls travel through time to assassinate a barangay dictator to revise history. This is Babylon.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in late 1920s Los Angeles, Babylon chronicles the transition from silent films to "talkies" through the decadent and excessive lives of its stars and crew. It follows rising actress Nellie LaRoy, established actor Jack Conrad, and ambitious immigrant Manny Torres as they navigate the crumbling old Hollywood era, facing both exhilarating triumphs and devastating downfalls amidst a backdrop of wild parties, shifting industry landscapes, and personal struggles.
Critical Reception
Babylon received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambitious scope, visual spectacle, and electrifying performances, particularly from Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt. However, many found its excessive runtime, over-the-top nature, and sometimes jarring tonal shifts to be divisive, leading to a polarized audience reception.
What Reviewers Say
Visually stunning and audaciously ambitious with standout performances.
A chaotic yet captivating exploration of Hollywood's golden age.
Overstuffed and excessive for some, but a dazzling cinematic experience for others.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's grand scale, energetic performances, and unique vision of old Hollywood. Some viewers found it overwhelming and excessively long, but many enjoyed its spectacle and historical reimagining.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Original Score, Best Production Design, and Best Supporting Actress (for "The Elephant Whisperer" scene). Received nominations for multiple Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards.
Fun Fact
The film's wild party scenes were inspired by actual bacchanalian gatherings of early Hollywood, with extras encouraged to improvise and engage in unrestrained behavior to capture the era's notorious excess.
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