Margot Robbie Is Wrong About ‘Babylon’

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  • Why ‘Babylon’ Is Not a Good Movie
  • Why Does ‘Babylon’ Have Such a Specific Reputation?
  • Could ‘Babylon’ Become a Cult Movie in the Future?

As a film critic who has been around the block a few times, I must say that Babylon is one wild ride! It’s like Damien Chazelle took all the energy he had left after La La Land and First Man, rolled it into a ball, and threw it at the screen. The result? A chaotic, captivating, and sometimes confusing spectacle that leaves you breathless.

In the late 1920s, the gradual disappearance of the silent movie era paved the way for groundbreaking technological innovations that have dominated the medium ever since. The release of Damien Chazelle’s Babylon in 2022 served as a reminder of how tenuous that transition could be, and the potential pitfalls when it is exaggerated. Recently, Margot Robbie has spoken up about the film’s poor box office performance, expressing her puzzlement over why audiences didn’t appreciate it. Since its debut, Babylon has sparked intense debate and has been viewed as a symbol of movies that are so exceptional they may not be fully recognized during their initial release but will eventually gain cult status in the future.

The film “Babylon” appears to be an overly lengthy, self-centered spectacle of extravagance, struggling under its own grandiosity and obsession with filling three hours of screen time with tedious drama and flashy directorial techniques. It offers little insight into the shift from silent films to talkies beyond a casual shrug and an attempt at humor that falls flat, failing to capture the enchantment of the early days of cinema. It’s not surprising that Emma Stone is defending a movie she is so connected to, and it seems unfair that “Babylon” appears to have placed Damien Chazelle in a kind of ‘director’s detention.’ However, perhaps this is exactly the impact such a film was destined to leave.

Looking back at this movie serves as a captivating study for future cult classics, yet its peculiar reputation often overshadows the film’s true merits and focuses more on chaos and sensational elements. The question arises: Why does Margot Robbie find Babylon appealing, and why is it generally considered not very good? What led to the project’s downfall? Let me share some insights with you.

Why ‘Babylon’ Is Not a Good Movie

In simpler terms, the film Babylon can be likened to fast-food movie-making, where rapid camera movements and flashy visuals are used excessively to create an illusion of pace. Saltburn did something similar last year, focusing on a character’s transformation by arranging scenes that could easily fit into a TikTok edit, while overlooking other essential aspects. While having lively party sequences is enjoyable, Babylon, during its three-hour duration, tends to jump from one significant moment to another, and falls short when it comes to delivering engaging character motivations.

The fast-moving start of the movie doesn’t maintain its intensity over extended periods, and it seems to struggle in attempting to intensify the pleasure of its scenes, which become increasingly hollow as it pushes harder. Babylon attempts to encompass everything simultaneously. It’s a daring portrayal of Hollywood extravagance, a critique on aging performers, a romance, and these disparate themes never get the necessary space to develop fully.

The way the scenes are arranged is quite striking, mirroring the bustling atmosphere of a movie set. However, once you learn that Babylon employs this technique, it seems to have run out of innovative approaches. It tries to conclude by saying “Aren’t movies amazing,” but it feels rather contrived instead.

Why Does ‘Babylon’ Have Such a Specific Reputation?

Following the success of “La La Land” and the underappreciated masterpiece “First Man,” Damien Chazelle found himself with considerable clout in Hollywood. One might admire his audacity in tackling a project like “Babylon,” but his directing style suggests he’s still green behind the ears. The over-the-top treatment of the material could imply that perhaps it was premature for him to take on this film at this stage of his career.

Babylon has gained an unusual level of devotion among fans, who will stand by it till the end of their days. This film grips viewers tightly and refuses to let go, yet this tenacity is often misconstrued as superior filmmaking rather than juvenile storytelling. Towards its climax, the movie frantically searches for an emotional core, which might be where it starts to unravel.

In simpler terms, this movie aims to strike a balance between appealing to a wide audience and pushing boundaries, presenting an unconventional blockbuster-style party film. However, it fails to hold this delicate balance, oscillating between these two aspects throughout its lengthy three hours. Margot Robbie’s character portrays extreme actions, such as getting bitten by a snake, but also has a fabricated debt issue introduced at the end to propel the narrative forward. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough depth in the script to effectively handle both these elements effectively.

Could ‘Babylon’ Become a Cult Movie in the Future?

If a contemporary film were to become a cult classic, it would undoubtedly be “Babylon”. Chazelle’s movie is so unconventional within mainstream cinema that it borders on art-house without crossing the line entirely. Many films in this category have achieved cult status, and it seems that “Babylon” might be following suit. The allure of this film has transformed it from a confusing mess into what some now perceive as an underrated gem. This isn’t necessarily a negative thing; in fact, it’s wonderful that the fans wield such influence over cultural discourse, especially when they promote positive messages.

Despite some criticism, Babylon might eventually be appreciated more over time. Its festivities could potentially last deep into the night and beyond, perhaps longer than it deserves. Yet, that’s all Babylon seems to have ever aimed for. As of now, you can stream Babylon on Netflix.

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2024-12-02 04:03