NEW YORK – “Babylon” (Paramount), writer-director Damien Chazelle’s sprawling recreation of Hollywood shortly before and after the advent of talkies, is a film of undeniable artistic intent. Yet its considerable aesthetic strong points are overshadowed by both overt content and an underlying tone that viewers of faith will feel compelled to reject.
Set primarily in the late 1920s, the movie charts the fortunes of two newcomers to the movie business.
Free-spirited Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie) finds her dreams suddenly coming true as she becomes arising star. Off-screen, Manny Torres (Diego Calva) is equally thrilled when he’s hired as an assistant to Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt), the industry’s highest-paid leading man.
But predictably, this upward trajectory doesn’t last. Instead, as hard-bitten gossip columnist Elinor St. John (Jean Smart) chronicles it all, bad habits, changing tastes and doomed love take their toll. Along the way, Robbie effervesces, Pitt charms and Calva smolders and endures.
Yet, although it occupies only a small percentage of his vast canvas, Chazelle’s depiction of Tinseltown’s behind-the-scenes decadence takes needless explicitness to the point of obscenity. Combined with the nostalgic tone the narrative eventually adopts toward these freewheeling antics, such degrading sights bar endorsement of his movie for any age group.
Chazelle repeatedly references the 1952 musical “Singin’ in the Rain,” which unfolds in the same place and time. But comparisons with that beloved classic only highlight the ugliness of his own portrayal of human debasement.
Look for: Memorable performances and a sly take on entertainment history.
Look out for: Excessive sexual content, including graphic aberrant activity and full nudity, drug use, about a dozen profanities, at least one milder oath as well as pervasive rough and much crude language.
The Catholic Moviegoer’s guidance is U — unsuitable for all. The Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted; under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
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