Set during the roaring 20’s, Babylon follows several key figures through Hollywood’s transition from silent films to “the talkies.” The rise and fall of an acting veteran, a cabaret dancer, an aspiring star, a director, a gossip columnist and a world class musician are all tracked throughout this three-hour long glimpse into old Hollywood.
Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt and Diego Calva in particular deliver outstanding performances but that only carries the film so far. Plain and simple, I just didn’t root for anybody. I didn’t care if any of the characters succeeded or failed and that was the problem with Babylon. I can forgive a project that’s long if it’s compelling. I can offer some grace if I’m invested in the characters or the story. I can even salvage some respect if I at least cared how it was going to end.
I didn’t do any of those things.
Babylon is a bloated, conceited and convoluted mess that did a disservice to otherwise incredible actors. It wasn’t even fun. It was 189 minutes of waiting for the finish line and then not enjoying said finish line.
JKG SCORE: 4.5
Untitled Film Project 