Babylon star Brad Pitt teases one of the film's wildest sequences. Director Damien Chazelle's newest film is set in the early days of Hollywood, telling an origin story of sorts while exploring the debauchery and excess of early movie stars. It's the second film Chazelle has made that focuses on the film business, joining his 2016 entry La La Land. The comedy-drama musical was a hopeful romance, but Babylon appears to be going down a very different route.
In an interview with THR, Pitt painted a pretty clear picture of what to expect from one of Babylon's party sequences. Pitt explained that it took two weeks to complete the elaborate, nudity-filled scene. He added that it took even him a few days to get used to just how chaotic things were on set of the production. But eventually, for Pitt, it became the new normal.
The first day was a bit shocking, even for me. I went, ‘Wow, wow, we’re really doing this… a lot of nudity, a lot of nudity. And then, day three it was like, ‘Yeah, a lot of nudity.’ And then two weeks into it, it was just like another day at the office.
What Early Reviews Are Saying About Babylon
Babylon won't hit theaters until late December, but many critics have already gotten a first look at the film. The early reviews lean positive, but there are plenty of mixed thoughts on Chazelle's explicit new joint. Positive reviews are singing praises of the performances from its star-studded cast, with Margot Robbie and Pitt said to have great showings, per usual. Diego Calva's performance has been described as star-creating in its depth and quality. There's little debate regarding the visuals of the film, either, with critics complimenting its gorgeous sets and intricate choreography. It's a well-made film by a filmmaker who has a track record of creating stunning visuals.
Chazelle's screenwriting and direction have also gotten some positive reviews, but they've also been met with harsh criticism. Some have remarked that the film's grand and pompous nature gets in the way of telling a coherent story, instead becoming an exhausting three-hour romp that fails to say anything of substance about its themes and focuses. Even many positive takes have noted that the film's third hour drags on and fails to bring its wild opening two hours together in any substantive way. Babylon's reviews confirm it's a drug-fueled marathon filled to the brim with nudity and chaos.
The film's mixed reviews aren't particularly surprising. It appears to be a massive change in pace from Chazelle's Oscar-winning La La Land, and the jury is still out on whether Babylon can achieve the same level of awards-season recognition that the musical garnered. For those looking for an impactful narrative and a memorable story, it looks like this could miss the mark. However, for those interested in an action-packed, three-hour fever dream, Babylon seems likely to fit the bill. Audiences can decide for themselves when the movie releases in theaters.
Source: THR
