Film Review: "Babylon" (2022).

"Always make a scene" in Babylon. This epic period comedy-drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle. Set in 1920s Los Angeles, the film is 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.

In July 2019, it was announced that Chazelle had set his next project, a period drama set in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Lionsgate Films was the frontrunner to acquire the project, with Emma Stone and Brad Pitt attached to star. In November, Paramount Pictures acquired worldwide rights to the project, with Stone and Pitt still attached. In January 2020, Pitt confirmed his involvement, describing the film as being set when the silent film era transitioned into sound. He was set to play a character modeled on actor-director John Gilbert, and Stone was set to play a character based on Clara Bow. However, in March 2021, Robbie was confirmed to replace Stone, who exited the film due to scheduling conflicts after the production was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. After Robbie replaced her, the role was reworked to become more fictional in nature. By early July, Diego Calva, Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li, P. J. Byrne, Lukas Haas, Max Minghella, Katherine Waterston, Tobey Maguire, Flea, Jeff Garlin, Eric Roberts, Ethan Suplee, Samara Weaving, Olivia Wilde, Spike Jonze, and Phoebe Tonkin. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in late October. Filming took place throughout California. Filming was initially set to take place in California in mid-2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was initially scheduled for a December 25, 2021 limited release date and a January 7, 2022 wide release date, but was later delayed by an entire year, to a December 25, 2022 limited release date, and a January 6, 2023 wide release date, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In October, the film was moved two days earlier to the current date and set for a solely wide release instead.

Pitt's performance is captivating, a smoothly mellow synergy of charisma and charm, but it is Robbie who steals the show, cementing her status as one of the best actresses of her generation. Robbie and Calva make an oddly perfect on-screen duo, as their dryly humorous performances throw contrast to the film's real comedic bread and butter, all of the eccentricities flying around them.

A sprawling riot of bad taste and consumption — and tremendously entertaining if you’re in the right mood. Gloriously grimy, it's a masterpiece of nostalgia, allowing audiences to inhabit a world of low-lives and cults. At three hours it's almost as excessive as Jack Conrad's party. It feels a bit long, but like the spoiled brats it portrays, it will not, and cannot, be ignored. An apt allegory for the delusional arc of Hollywood. Its internal downfall lies in the fact that this insight is most definitely accidental.

Simon says Babylon receives:

Also, see my review for First Man.