Babylon: A buoyant and touching tribute to cinema

Babylon is absolutely mad. It’s bonkers in every sense of the word – just when you think you know what’s coming next, your predictions are tossed aside with the same ease with which Margot Robbie’s Nellie LaRoy can force a tear.

And yet, somehow, the film still acts as a wonderfully emotional tribute to cinema at the same time. It’s far from perfect, but that’s probably the point. You laugh, you cry, you escape to worlds unknown, all from the one seat in the space of a few hours.

Plenty were concerned for Damien Chazelle’s project when the trailers were released – what is the plot going to be, we asked? What’s the story? We needn’t have worried – the characters’ journeys through a wild era during which silent films were phased out by those with sound are intriguing throughout.

Great care and devotion went into the production of Babylon – it looks and sounds utterly fantastic. The set designs are wondrous, and the expertly filmed long takes – particularly those during the opening party scene – are some of the best seen in recent years. The team behind the film care about their craft, and you can tell.

The same can be said for the cast – Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt have well and truly put paid to suggestions that Tom Cruise is the last of a dying breed of proper movie stars. Their appearances alone will have convinced many to go along and see this film at their local picture house.

They’re not just along for the ride, though. Robbie once again stars in an unhinged and mentally challenged role without too much depth, while Pitt delivers on both the comedic and heartstring-tugging fronts. The pair are sheer acting heavyweights, and are on top form here.

Diego Calva’s Manny Torres is effectively the eyes and ears for the audience throughout large portions, and the Mexican thrives in that role.

His quick turn from an innocent movie-lover into a cynical producer is a little bit too rushed, as is his switch back to normality. Bar that, however, the majority of character development is on point.

Tobey Maguire’s cameo is relatively pointless, however. It wasn’t needed and didn’t serve the plot in any meaningful way – take that portion of the movie out and you significantly reduce your runtime. Babylon is long, and although it doesn’t detract from its quality, there are plenty who would rather it be half an hour shorter. Maguire’s acting isn’t exactly mind-blowing either.

But take nothing away from this fun-filled rollercoaster experience. You’re never bored, and you’re engrossed in the characters – particularly Pitt’s Jack Conrad. His tragic demise is slow, realistic and unpreventable, and hits hard when complete.

The closing scene, although a bit out of the blue, provides that truly touching tribute to movie-going. It’s one of those things we missed the most when cinemas were closed, and we should never take these trips for granted again.

There’s nothing quite like the pictures, and Babylon knows it. The film has its flaws, but it certainly knows how to captivate its audience – and that’s exactly what a good screenplay should do.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Feature Image: IGN