No. Babylon is entirely a fictional story. Yet there are some real life inspirations too.
Damien Chazelle's "Babylon" is a black comedy-drama movie set in the late 1920s, depicting the ups and downs of several characters during Hollywood's transition from silent films to talkies. The film premiered on November 14, 2022, and was released in the United States on December 23. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its cinematography, music, film editing, actors performances, and themes, but were divided on its graphic content and film duration. It grossed $63 million against a production budget of $78-80 million and received several award nominations.
What is Babylon about?
Babylon is a grand and ambitious movie that explores Hollywood during the late 1920s and early 1930s, highlighting a range of characters whose lives are changed by the film industry. The film switches rapidly between comedy and tragedy, depicting the outrageous behavior and parties of Hollywood, while also showing the darker side of the industry that chews people up and spits them out. Despite being set in the past, the film's message about the film industry is still relevant today.
The film reveals how trends come and go in the industry, and how the film industry is a vicious cycle that can be especially difficult for women and people of color. It challenges the audience to grapple with the wonders of cinema and the horrors of filmmaking, asking how much dedication and sacrifice are necessary for great art.
Despite its condemnation of the film industry, Babylon also celebrates the power of movies and their impact on audiences. The film argues that although sacrifices must be made in the industry, the end product can be awe-inspiring. Overall, Babylon is an incredible and unique film that combines comedy and tragedy, dream and nightmare, and a love letter to/condemnation of cinema, making it one of the greatest movies of 2022.
In conclusion, Babylon is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in the film industry and its history. It is a movie that challenges its audience to grapple with the wonders of cinema and the horrors of filmmaking, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits have rolled. While it may not be for everyone, those who can get on the film's wavelength will find it to be an incredible and unique cinematic experience that is well worth the investment of time and attention.
What are the real life inspirations for Babylon?
"Babylon" is a movie written and directed by Damien Chazelle, based on the transition of Hollywood from silent to sound films in the late 1920s. Although the only real person portrayed in the movie is Irving Thalberg, several of the main characters are based on real-life inspirations.
Margot Robbie's character LaRoy is inspired by silent film stars like Jeanne Eagels, Joan Crawford, and Alma Rubens, but her traumatic upbringing is similar to that of Clara Bow. Brad Pitt's character Conrad is an established A-lister, similar to John Gilbert, Douglas Fairbanks, and Rudolph Valentino.
Diego Calva's character Torres, a Mexican immigrant with dreams of making it big in Hollywood, was inspired by Rene Cardona, who climbed the studio executive ladder and played a role in the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema. Meanwhile, Jean Smart's Elinor St. John, filmmaker Ruth Adler (played by Olivia Hamilton), and chanteuse Lady Fay Zhu (Li Jun Li) were inspired by real-life figures such as writer Elinor Glyn, reporter Adela Rogers St. Johns, early female directors like Lois Weber and Dorothy Arzner, and Anna May Wong, the first Asian American film star in Hollywood.
Jovan Adepo's character, trumpeter Sidney Palmer, is an amalgam of Black stars of the era who faced immense racism in the industry. Chazelle cites Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ethel Waters, and Bessie Smith as actors who also played music on screen, as well as Curtis Mosby, Les Hite, and Sonny Clay as inspirations for Adepo's character.
Who are in the cast of Babylon?
Babylon features a talented cast that delivers some of their best performances, including Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva. Despite the star power, the film's box office performance suffered, but viewers who see it are treated to magnetic performances from the cast, including strong supporting roles from Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo, and Li Jun Li, and fun appearances from Tobey Maguire, Samara Weaving, and Olivia Wilde.
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