#421 - Babylon - WatchThis W/RickRamos

Hollywood - Spectacle & Sacrifice: Damien Chazelle's Babylon

This week, Mr. Chavez & I continue our close out of 2022 (going into this third week of 2023), with a look at one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year (and one of its most polarizing films and biggest box-office disappointments), Damien Chazelle's Babylon. This is certainly a film that defines cinematic ambition, but also thematic and visual excess; A film of grotesque imagery and questionable plot points, Chazelle's love and fascination for the Hollywood's Silent Era and the slow emergence into "Talkies" is divisive at the very least. Rarely does a film emrege that is as beautiful, overblown, and misguided as this three-hour opus. Featuring Hollywood Stars interpreting the lives of early screen stars John Gilbert (Brad Pitt) and Clara Bow (Margot Robbie), and newcomers Diego Calva, Li Jun Li, and Jovan Adepo, as well as Jean Smart, Flea, Lukas Haas, Eric Roberts, Jeff Garlin, and Tobey McGuire. Incredibly problematic, but definitely worth seeing on the big screen, Chazelle's "Love Letter to Cinema and Hate Letter to Los Angeles/Hollywood" is one of the more fascinating spectacles in recent cinema. Take a listen and let us know what you think. 

As always, we. dive into all aspects of this film. It is best to have seen the film before listening. You've been warned. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to [e-mail] Many Thanks.