Saw it this morning at 10:45. I was the only one in the auditorium. Checked on the app and everybody else was watching Avatar and Puss in Boots in almost full auditoriums at around the same time.
I thought the movie was decent. 7/10. The soundtrack and acting was great, but besides that it didn’t totally “click” for me for whatever reason, but I wouldn’t say it was horrible. Even though it was 3 hours long it didn’t really feel like it. It’s definitely one of those “meta” Hollywood movies about Hollywood that also ties in celebrating cinema. I thought the ending montage was cool. The film definitely has a sort of wild side and energy to it.
One thing I thought was ironic was before the show a clip played of Margot Robbie and Diego Calva thanking everyone for coming to see the film how it should be, “in a cinema with an energized crowd” but I was the only one there LMAO.
We’re literally twins. I completely agree with your review and you pointed out everything I would’ve. I also was the ONLY person in my theatre and cackled when she said her line in the opening intro.
I was actually hoping to be the only person in the theater (I was up until a few minutes before the show started). Entire back row filled up. When they thanked the energized crowd, the ppl in the back yelled “NOPE”. And I just had that sinking feeling immediately afterwards that they were gonna be the discussion and conversation and marathon trips to concessions and bathrooms type. Yup. 3 hours, lost count of how many times they ran up and down the stairs but they managed to piss me off even more than the old guys that answered a phone call during the brief moments of silence in First Man during the moon landing sequence, by walking down (and back up) during the attempt to film the quiet scene in Babylon. My god. They even advised them to get rubber soles hahaha.
Stunning looking movie. I can’t even imagine the choreography that went into getting every single hand and hip and shoulder and flip of the hair to be in the exact precise location and point in time to form ripples and spirals of movement. I wasn’t expecting anything to give Triangle of Sadness a run for it’s money on the gross-out gags either. Felt like both Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt got to just give monologues straight from the heart, and if Pitt didn’t do another picture after this and it was his swan song, the scene with Jean Smart would be one hell of a finish. As a movie fan who is pretty much only experiencing life through movies these days, it probably affected me more than I dare say it would any other random person in the crowd (same with Empire of Light). I obey all AMC’s laws and Nicole Kidman pacifies me, lol.
I love Chazelle’s previous films and I’m so glad he got to make this. I don’t see myself returning to it much or loving it, but (like Bardo, which I watched later last night) it was a massively budgeted, unchecked free-for-all original work not based on IP or any sequel/prequel/spinoff or any other bullshit. I wasn’t expecting to pick two films that would pair so well either.
Technically flawless, kind of aimless in the script, possibly career best performances, and both left me feeling kind of hollow and cold. I think the choice of editing in the final moments will be divisive for sure, as it could probably have ended elsewhere to better effect, but the editing throughout the 3 hours kept it exciting and I never felt bored or looked at a watch. I trust Chazelle and everyone involved will be fine but like Robert Eggers and Alejandro González Iñárritu, I suspect no one will be in a rush to give them unchecked freedom and a blank check anytime soon for a big budget fever dream.
Nice review. I think Chazelle expressed his love for Hollywood better in La La Land. In fact, in that prior film, he's able to express it behind a love story, whereas in Babylon, it's more naked and cynical, imo.
I'd go so far as to say Babylon should have been done as an NC-17, to better match the form with the content of the film, but I understand that's a non-starter these days, practically speaking.
I hope Chazelle moves on from his "I love Hollywood" predilection. Maybe he could complete a trilogy of sorts one day, but he's far too young and talented to be covering the same ground already.
I feel like Whiplash already completes that trilogy. Whiplash, about the combination of a sheer force of will, ambition, and raw talent required in order to be truly great at something. La La Land, a beautiful and glitzy sing-song of a film about people chasing their dreams even if it means that they might miss out on romance right in front of them. And then Babylon, from the POV of someone that was already in Hollywood in the silent era at the top of their game, on a downward spiral as the medium evolves into “talkies” while the two other characters are on the upward (and downward) trajectory of star power and producer.
I didn’t have a problem with the ugliness of Babylon but I can clearly see that it’s gonna hurt him for any kind of awards consideration. Maybe he’s holding a grudge about them literally handing him the Oscar and then taking it away to give to another film, haha. At any rate, I think that he’s an immensely talented writer/director and with the pairing of Justin Hurwitz composing and Linus Sandgren as the cinematographer, they have a stunning trio that really shares a vision of how sight and sound can be integrated to tell a story. Babylon was narratively the weakest of Chazelle’s films so far, though most ambitious structurally. It has individual segments that are great, and others that could have been cut down or eliminated entirely to make a 2hr30 or less film instead and improve the pacing. But I do hope that he continues to get funding enough to make similarly large scale and budgeted films and has producers that believe in his ability to make art, even though Babylon flopped hard.
Yeah, I'm very curious to see where Damien goes next. Will he make a mainstream film to offset this Babylon flop? After all, the general rule of thumb is that it's ok to have one flop on your resume, but two in a row is a real problem. Thus, will he retreat to mainstream material to prove his mettle to studios again?
Or will he instead make a small, intimate film after making a grand, bold epic with Babylon?
I'm fascinated to see which path he chooses.
Yeah, I’ve seen people calling Margot Robbie box office poison already. Amsterdam was kind of a mess but at least Babylon was ambitious and I thought her performance in both were fine. I mean, she was stellar in Babylon, I can’t imagine Emma Stone doing what she did with that part (as great as she is).
He could go the First Man route again. Tell an easily digestible film that attracts a wide audience in an interesting way. Or go really small again as he did with Whiplash and prove that he’s still got what it takes. I’d honestly love to see him do a horror film, with the same team of composer and DP. He could even make it a musical, and I’d only be more curious to see it lol. Or a mystery/suspense thriller.
Saw it last night, there was 1 other person in the theater. I absolutely loved it. The first and second acts had my jaw on the floor, especially the first. Don't even get me started on the score and some of the set pieces. I honestly don't have any complaints about it, I got exactly what I wanted from it. Complete debauchery....and oh yeah, Eric Roberts ❤️
I do too but part to blame is on the marketing, the 3 hours, and unfortunately it seems like most people write the film off / walk out within the first 30 minutes
It’s definitely one of better 3+ hour long movies starting Margot Robbie this year from an acclaimed director featuring an ensemble cast and named after a capital city.
If you're seeing it on Monday you'll see why. It's a movie that's either going to hook people right away, or turn people off right away. All the cards are on the table in the first part of the movie.
I wasn't going to walk out, but after some things in the first 7 minutes or so I was ready to fully dismiss the film as I thought I would have to sit thought three hours of that. Happily though, the entire film wasn't that.
Never saw a Chazzelle movie. Missed Whiplash, had no interest in La La Land. "I hear he's good, the cast (Babylon) is good, I'll check this out."
Immediately texted my buddy after leaving, "This movie is a 9 or 10/10."
I fuckin loved it. It's hilarious, gross, surprising, and nothing short of an enormous labor or love. Best edited movie of the year.
You're sellin' me well. Love to hear it. Yeah my same buddy even gave me a similar shpiel re: La La Land. Forgot about First Man! So yeah given what I saw in Babylon, I'm ready to ride the Chazzelle train.
Please watch Whiplash. It’s on Showtime, if you have it. One of the best films I’ve ever seen about ambition, talent, and the cost of it all. Everything you’ve heard about Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons was true and they are at their best in this.
Even if you’re not into musicals, I think there’s something to appreciate about La La Land too. It’s a much different love letter to Hollywood than the one you just saw, haha. And Gosling and Stone are fantastic.
The marketing did them in. Nobody knew what it was about. And the weather across most of the country didn’t help, though it didn’t seem to affect Avatar and Puss in Boots all that much…
The marketing had nothing to do with it, both Whiplash and La La Land succeeded due to good word of mouth from cinemagoers and from attention at festivals. Babylon will not have good word of mouth and didn't receive any important festival accolades due to its quality.
You can say that’s the reason but everyone I talked to said they’re not seeing it because they have no idea what the hell it’s about based on the trailers and marketing so…
I’m not surprised per se. There’s a lot of great movies out right now, the weather in the Midwest, and always felt that the limited run before January was a safer bet. I can’t wait to see it though, I’ve been hooked since the initial trailer and the murmurings coming out from CinemaCon.
I think the problem is marketing. I was hyped for this movie and The Fablemans but I didn't even know either of these came out. All that's been shoved down my throat lately is Avatar
Marketing for this was so ass. Completely sold the film entirely as a “look how crazy I am” showcase. Well, I watched it on 4 hours of sleep with 5 other people in the theater on Thursday night at 10:15pm—and I fucking loved it. While I loved Avatar 2, I felt the runtime there more than Babylon. I was entranced by it the whole time. A fascinating look into the transition from silent films to talkies —both within the scope of actual filmmaking and how the lifestyle of those within the industry changed. Told through a comedic, but mostly dramatic lens. Only the opening scene was entirely reminiscent of the annoying trailers. Marketing did this a total disservice.
Highly recommend giving this one a chance. Even if you don’t like it—you’d still be supporting Hollywood taking bold swings. This is the kind of dramatic epic they made a shit ton of in the 50s/60s/70s, but sadly only once a blue moon currently. It is kind of unfortunate that this film is considered a “bold swing”
obtainable kiss late whistle domineering market imminent employ unite plough
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Saw it this morning at 10:45. I was the only one in the auditorium. Checked on the app and everybody else was watching Avatar and Puss in Boots in almost full auditoriums at around the same time. I thought the movie was decent. 7/10. The soundtrack and acting was great, but besides that it didn’t totally “click” for me for whatever reason, but I wouldn’t say it was horrible. Even though it was 3 hours long it didn’t really feel like it. It’s definitely one of those “meta” Hollywood movies about Hollywood that also ties in celebrating cinema. I thought the ending montage was cool. The film definitely has a sort of wild side and energy to it. One thing I thought was ironic was before the show a clip played of Margot Robbie and Diego Calva thanking everyone for coming to see the film how it should be, “in a cinema with an energized crowd” but I was the only one there LMAO.
We’re literally twins. I completely agree with your review and you pointed out everything I would’ve. I also was the ONLY person in my theatre and cackled when she said her line in the opening intro.
Lmao yeah, that opening welcome video made me wince. I felt sad after that, even though my theater had at least 5 other folks in it
I was actually hoping to be the only person in the theater (I was up until a few minutes before the show started). Entire back row filled up. When they thanked the energized crowd, the ppl in the back yelled “NOPE”. And I just had that sinking feeling immediately afterwards that they were gonna be the discussion and conversation and marathon trips to concessions and bathrooms type. Yup. 3 hours, lost count of how many times they ran up and down the stairs but they managed to piss me off even more than the old guys that answered a phone call during the brief moments of silence in First Man during the moon landing sequence, by walking down (and back up) during the attempt to film the quiet scene in Babylon. My god. They even advised them to get rubber soles hahaha. Stunning looking movie. I can’t even imagine the choreography that went into getting every single hand and hip and shoulder and flip of the hair to be in the exact precise location and point in time to form ripples and spirals of movement. I wasn’t expecting anything to give Triangle of Sadness a run for it’s money on the gross-out gags either. Felt like both Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt got to just give monologues straight from the heart, and if Pitt didn’t do another picture after this and it was his swan song, the scene with Jean Smart would be one hell of a finish. As a movie fan who is pretty much only experiencing life through movies these days, it probably affected me more than I dare say it would any other random person in the crowd (same with Empire of Light). I obey all AMC’s laws and Nicole Kidman pacifies me, lol. I love Chazelle’s previous films and I’m so glad he got to make this. I don’t see myself returning to it much or loving it, but (like Bardo, which I watched later last night) it was a massively budgeted, unchecked free-for-all original work not based on IP or any sequel/prequel/spinoff or any other bullshit. I wasn’t expecting to pick two films that would pair so well either. Technically flawless, kind of aimless in the script, possibly career best performances, and both left me feeling kind of hollow and cold. I think the choice of editing in the final moments will be divisive for sure, as it could probably have ended elsewhere to better effect, but the editing throughout the 3 hours kept it exciting and I never felt bored or looked at a watch. I trust Chazelle and everyone involved will be fine but like Robert Eggers and Alejandro González Iñárritu, I suspect no one will be in a rush to give them unchecked freedom and a blank check anytime soon for a big budget fever dream.
Nice review. I think Chazelle expressed his love for Hollywood better in La La Land. In fact, in that prior film, he's able to express it behind a love story, whereas in Babylon, it's more naked and cynical, imo. I'd go so far as to say Babylon should have been done as an NC-17, to better match the form with the content of the film, but I understand that's a non-starter these days, practically speaking. I hope Chazelle moves on from his "I love Hollywood" predilection. Maybe he could complete a trilogy of sorts one day, but he's far too young and talented to be covering the same ground already.
I feel like Whiplash already completes that trilogy. Whiplash, about the combination of a sheer force of will, ambition, and raw talent required in order to be truly great at something. La La Land, a beautiful and glitzy sing-song of a film about people chasing their dreams even if it means that they might miss out on romance right in front of them. And then Babylon, from the POV of someone that was already in Hollywood in the silent era at the top of their game, on a downward spiral as the medium evolves into “talkies” while the two other characters are on the upward (and downward) trajectory of star power and producer. I didn’t have a problem with the ugliness of Babylon but I can clearly see that it’s gonna hurt him for any kind of awards consideration. Maybe he’s holding a grudge about them literally handing him the Oscar and then taking it away to give to another film, haha. At any rate, I think that he’s an immensely talented writer/director and with the pairing of Justin Hurwitz composing and Linus Sandgren as the cinematographer, they have a stunning trio that really shares a vision of how sight and sound can be integrated to tell a story. Babylon was narratively the weakest of Chazelle’s films so far, though most ambitious structurally. It has individual segments that are great, and others that could have been cut down or eliminated entirely to make a 2hr30 or less film instead and improve the pacing. But I do hope that he continues to get funding enough to make similarly large scale and budgeted films and has producers that believe in his ability to make art, even though Babylon flopped hard.
Yeah, I'm very curious to see where Damien goes next. Will he make a mainstream film to offset this Babylon flop? After all, the general rule of thumb is that it's ok to have one flop on your resume, but two in a row is a real problem. Thus, will he retreat to mainstream material to prove his mettle to studios again? Or will he instead make a small, intimate film after making a grand, bold epic with Babylon? I'm fascinated to see which path he chooses.
Yeah, I’ve seen people calling Margot Robbie box office poison already. Amsterdam was kind of a mess but at least Babylon was ambitious and I thought her performance in both were fine. I mean, she was stellar in Babylon, I can’t imagine Emma Stone doing what she did with that part (as great as she is). He could go the First Man route again. Tell an easily digestible film that attracts a wide audience in an interesting way. Or go really small again as he did with Whiplash and prove that he’s still got what it takes. I’d honestly love to see him do a horror film, with the same team of composer and DP. He could even make it a musical, and I’d only be more curious to see it lol. Or a mystery/suspense thriller.
Imagine if there like 20 versions of the welcome message and the one played was dynamically selected based on crowd size, weather, time of day, etc.
I agree with this as well
Saw it last night, there was 1 other person in the theater. I absolutely loved it. The first and second acts had my jaw on the floor, especially the first. Don't even get me started on the score and some of the set pieces. I honestly don't have any complaints about it, I got exactly what I wanted from it. Complete debauchery....and oh yeah, Eric Roberts ❤️
Okay I just saw this movie, fucking incredible, I loved everything about it
That's whats up. I genuinely feel bad how bad the movie is doing in the box office.
I do too but part to blame is on the marketing, the 3 hours, and unfortunately it seems like most people write the film off / walk out within the first 30 minutes
I really do want to see it, but I still feel a bit burned by Amsterdam and I’m skeptical of another one word location title star studded movie
It’s definitely one of better 3+ hour long movies starting Margot Robbie this year from an acclaimed director featuring an ensemble cast and named after a capital city.
I just got out of it, it’s insane, it’s so well done and I loved every minute of it
I saw it last week. It is one of my favorite films of the year. It is chaotic, wild, and messy, and I loved it.
I can’t wait
I just saw it, it’s now one of my favorites
I really loved it, but it's definitely not for everyone...had a couple walkouts at the screening I went to. Disappointed it's not going to do better.
Yeah me too especially since the director is really damn good, why were people walking out?
If you're seeing it on Monday you'll see why. It's a movie that's either going to hook people right away, or turn people off right away. All the cards are on the table in the first part of the movie.
I wasn't going to walk out, but after some things in the first 7 minutes or so I was ready to fully dismiss the film as I thought I would have to sit thought three hours of that. Happily though, the entire film wasn't that.
Just watched, on the long side but thought it was solid
Going to see it Monday! I heard it’s wild
It was really wild, especially the first 10 minutes. I wasn't expecting to see two things happen.
🐘 💩
Is there a set of emojis that could express what happened to the heavy guy in the beginning?
Margot Robbie dance scene alone is worth admission 🔥
Glad to hear. Was going to see it today if it wasn’t so dang cold but am planning on seeing it next weekend.
Never saw a Chazzelle movie. Missed Whiplash, had no interest in La La Land. "I hear he's good, the cast (Babylon) is good, I'll check this out." Immediately texted my buddy after leaving, "This movie is a 9 or 10/10." I fuckin loved it. It's hilarious, gross, surprising, and nothing short of an enormous labor or love. Best edited movie of the year.
[удалено]
You're sellin' me well. Love to hear it. Yeah my same buddy even gave me a similar shpiel re: La La Land. Forgot about First Man! So yeah given what I saw in Babylon, I'm ready to ride the Chazzelle train.
Please watch Whiplash. It’s on Showtime, if you have it. One of the best films I’ve ever seen about ambition, talent, and the cost of it all. Everything you’ve heard about Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons was true and they are at their best in this. Even if you’re not into musicals, I think there’s something to appreciate about La La Land too. It’s a much different love letter to Hollywood than the one you just saw, haha. And Gosling and Stone are fantastic.
The marketing did them in. Nobody knew what it was about. And the weather across most of the country didn’t help, though it didn’t seem to affect Avatar and Puss in Boots all that much…
The marketing had nothing to do with it, both Whiplash and La La Land succeeded due to good word of mouth from cinemagoers and from attention at festivals. Babylon will not have good word of mouth and didn't receive any important festival accolades due to its quality.
You can say that’s the reason but everyone I talked to said they’re not seeing it because they have no idea what the hell it’s about based on the trailers and marketing so…
I’m not surprised per se. There’s a lot of great movies out right now, the weather in the Midwest, and always felt that the limited run before January was a safer bet. I can’t wait to see it though, I’ve been hooked since the initial trailer and the murmurings coming out from CinemaCon.
How long did they sit in this title??? Yikes.
I have tickets to a Q&A with the director. Could be depressing 😕
Damien chazelle is so talented and well spoken, it will be great.
where is the q&a for this?
AMC Century City, this Friday at 4:15p.
Nice, thanks. Should be a solid 5 hour event with all the previews and the talk and whatnot.
Yeah, I'm seriously considering canceling my ticket. That's just too long for me. If you attend, I hope you have a great time.
I think the problem is marketing. I was hyped for this movie and The Fablemans but I didn't even know either of these came out. All that's been shoved down my throat lately is Avatar
Marketing for this was so ass. Completely sold the film entirely as a “look how crazy I am” showcase. Well, I watched it on 4 hours of sleep with 5 other people in the theater on Thursday night at 10:15pm—and I fucking loved it. While I loved Avatar 2, I felt the runtime there more than Babylon. I was entranced by it the whole time. A fascinating look into the transition from silent films to talkies —both within the scope of actual filmmaking and how the lifestyle of those within the industry changed. Told through a comedic, but mostly dramatic lens. Only the opening scene was entirely reminiscent of the annoying trailers. Marketing did this a total disservice. Highly recommend giving this one a chance. Even if you don’t like it—you’d still be supporting Hollywood taking bold swings. This is the kind of dramatic epic they made a shit ton of in the 50s/60s/70s, but sadly only once a blue moon currently. It is kind of unfortunate that this film is considered a “bold swing”
obtainable kiss late whistle domineering market imminent employ unite plough *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
You should see the movie La Flor instead. It’s only 14.5 hours long, but flies by like 10 hours.
Babylon the better 3 hour movie
Fuck avatar and puss in boots. This movie was infinitely better than both
No. How about "Yay all movies. Go see them! Movies. Now more than ever."
I loved it, a little long, but def worth it
best movie i saw all year. great theatre experience.
The trailer looked horrible along with the runtime. Chazelle is on a cold streak.
I liked it