Babylon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

People party hard, then sound comes to movies and everyone’s life either falls apart or they have to wear blackface, except for the guy who leaves and is happy, maybe.

🍿 Babylon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Decadent Party

In 1926 Los Angeles, Manny Torres, an ambitious young man, is tasked with delivering an elephant to a lavish Hollywood party. The party is a wild spectacle of drugs, sex, and jazz music, representing the unbridled excess of the era. Here, Manny encounters Nellie LaRoy, an aspiring actress determined to make it big, and Jack Conrad, a charismatic silent film star.

Rising Stars and Changing Tides

Nellie’s fearless attitude quickly propels her to stardom, while Manny finds himself working alongside Jack Conrad, navigating the chaotic world of filmmaking. As Nellie and Jack experience the highs of fame, the film industry undergoes a significant transformation with the advent of ‘talkies’. This transition brings both opportunities and challenges, threatening to disrupt the established order.

The Dark Side of Hollywood

As the industry evolves, Nellie struggles to adapt to the new demands of talking pictures, and her wild lifestyle spirals out of control. Jack’s career also faces decline as his star power diminishes. Manny tries to help Nellie overcome her gambling debts, leading him into a dangerous encounter with a notorious gangster. The film exposes the harsh realities and exploitative nature of early Hollywood.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt): A popular silent film star struggling to maintain his relevance during the transition to talking pictures.
• Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie): An ambitious and reckless young woman striving to become a star in the burgeoning film industry.
• Manny Torres (Diego Calva): An aspiring filmmaker who becomes entangled in the chaotic world of early Hollywood and falls for Nellie.
• Elinor St. John (Jean Smart): A powerful and influential gossip columnist who observes and shapes the careers of those in Hollywood.
• Sidney Palmer (Jovan Adepo): A talented jazz trumpeter navigating the racial complexities of the entertainment industry in the 1920s.
• Lady Fay Zhu (Li Jun Li): A captivating cabaret singer who is a friend and confidant of both Nellie and Jack.
• James McKay (Tobey Maguire): A menacing and eccentric mobster involved in the darker side of Hollywood’s underbelly.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack Conrad: “Aw, Georgie. Who was it this time?” – Jack consoles George Munn after a heartbreak, highlighting the fleeting nature of relationships in Hollywood.
• Jack Conrad: “Claire. Well, Claire’s a lesbian. That’s an uphill battle for anyone.” – Jack’s sardonic response to George’s heartbreak reveals his jaded view of love.
• Elinor St. John: “You’re done.” – Gossip columnist Elinor St. John delivers a harsh truth to Jack Conrad about his fading career.
• Nellie LaRoy: “I just want to be part of something bigger.” – Nellie expresses her driving ambition to Manny early in the film, capturing her desire for fame.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $110,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,658,225
• Worldwide Gross: $65,267,446

💥 Babylon Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, what a ride! ‘Babylon’ is not a movie you just watch; you *experience* it. The opening party scene was insane, and I was completely drawn into the world of 1920s Hollywood. Margot Robbie was incredible; she completely embodied Nellie LaRoy. The ending hit me hard, thinking about how fleeting fame can be, but how movies can last forever. It really made me appreciate the magic of cinema. Definitely a film I’ll be thinking about for a while.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Damien Chazelle’s previous work (La La Land, Whiplash)”
  • “Viewers interested in the history of Hollywood and the transition from silent films to talkies”
  • “Those who appreciate films with lavish production design and bold storytelling”
  • “Audiences who enjoy movies with complex characters and themes of ambition and excess”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic nudity and sexual content”
  • “Drug use and substance abuse”
  • “Violence and disturbing imagery”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Chazelle’s ‘Babylon’ is a wild, ambitious, and often overwhelming ride through early Hollywood, showcasing both the glamour and the grime. Pitt and Robbie deliver electric performances, making it a must-see for cinephiles willing to embrace its excesses.
• The Guardian: “A sprawling, chaotic ode to the silent era, ‘Babylon’ overflows with energy but struggles to maintain focus. While the performances are strong, Chazelle’s ambition occasionally overshadows the narrative, leading to a somewhat uneven experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “Damien Chazelle’s ‘Babylon’ is a frenzied, visually stunning spectacle that captures the chaotic energy of Hollywood’s transition to sound. Margot Robbie shines as Nellie LaRoy, making this a memorable, if somewhat overwhelming, cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

Margot Robbie’s performance was absolutely mesmerizing; she stole every scene she was in!: The vibrant portrayal of the Roaring Twenties and the transition from silent films to talkies captivated audiences.

The soundtrack was incredible; it perfectly captured the energy and chaos of the era.: The film’s visual spectacle and audacious storytelling divided viewers, with many praising its ambition while others found it excessive.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and ambitious but divisive film, celebrated for its performances and soundtrack, but criticized for its length and excess.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Score)- 2023

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The character of Lady Fay Zhu is loosely based on Anna May Wong (1905-1961) the first Chinese-American actress in Hollywood whose career spanned both silent and sound films.”
• “Damien Chazelle has called Babylon: ‘A hate letter to Hollywood and a love letter to movies.'”

🖥️ How to Watch Babylon?

Babylon is available for streaming on platforms such as Paramount+ and through various digital retailers. You can rent or purchase the film on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Babylon, you might like these similar films:

• Singin’ in the Rain (1952): A classic musical about the transition from silent films to talkies, offering a more lighthearted take on a similar subject.
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): Shares the themes of fame, ambition, and the changing landscape of Hollywood, but set in the late 1960s.
• Boogie Nights (1997): Explores the excesses and changing dynamics of another entertainment industry (pornography) during a period of significant transition.
• The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Depicts a world of excess, indulgence, and moral ambiguity, though in a different setting (Wall Street).
• Sunset Boulevard (1950): A dark and cynical look at Hollywood’s obsession with youth and the tragic consequences of fading fame.

🛒 Babylon Related Products

• Babylon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Immerse yourself in the roaring 20s with Justin Hurwitz’s vibrant and energetic score. This digital download allows you to relive the film’s most memorable moments through its captivating music.
• The Complete Jean Smart Collection: Designing Women, Hacks & More: Explore Jean Smart’s filmography, including Designing Women and Hacks. Includes access to exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content
• Babylon: The Art and Making of the Film: Delve behind the scenes of Damien Chazelle’s epic with this hardcover book. Featuring concept art, set photos, and interviews, it offers a unique look at the film’s creation.
• Flapper Dress Costume Set: Channel your inner Nellie LaRoy with this authentic 1920s flapper dress costume set. Includes dress, headpiece, and accessories for a complete vintage look. Available in various sizes and colors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Babylon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Voodoo Mama” – performed by The Charleston Six
• “Call Me Manny” – performed by Justin Hurwitz
• “My Girl’s Pussy” – performed by Li Jun Li
• “My Drug” – performed by Justin Hurwitz

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Margot Robbie’s Improvised Kiss with Brad Pitt in Babylon

Ever wonder what it’s like when actors go off script? Check out this behind-the-scenes moment where Margot Robbie shares how she surprised Brad Pitt with an impromptu kiss in ‘Babylon.’

Brad Pitt on Movies That Changed His Life

Curious about the films that inspired one of Hollywood’s biggest stars? Join Brad Pitt as he shares his thoughts on the movies that had a profound impact on his life and career.

Welcome to Babylon: Behind-the-Scenes Featurette

Dive into the making of ‘Babylon’ with this exclusive featurette. Hear from the stars and director as they reveal the secrets behind this epic Hollywood tale.

The Marketing of ‘Babylon’: A Critical Analysis

Intrigued by the buzz surrounding ‘Babylon’? This video essay delves into the film’s marketing strategy, examining its strengths and weaknesses.

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