Babylon is a 2022 American epic historical black comedy-drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo, and Li Jun Li. Set in the late 1920s, Babylon chronicles the rise and fall of various characters during Hollywood's transition from silent films to sound, capturing the excesses and decadence of the era.
Chazelle began developing Babylon in July 2019, with Paramount Pictures acquiring the worldwide rights in November 2019. Filming took place in Los Angeles from July to October 2021. The film premiered at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles on November 14, 2022, and was released in the United States on December 23, 2022. Despite its ambitious scope and star-studded cast, Babylon received a polarized response from critics and was considered a box-office disappointment, grossing approximately $63 million against a production budget of $78–80 million, resulting in a significant financial loss for Paramount.
The film is characterized by its extravagant visuals and a narrative that explores themes of ambition, fame, and the darker side of Hollywood. It has been compared to films like The Wolf of Wall Street and The Great Gatsby, reflecting its portrayal of excess and moral ambiguity. Babylon received five nominations at the 80th Golden Globe Awards, winning for Best Original Score, and garnered additional nominations at the British Academy Film Awards and the Academy Awards.
Overall, Babylon aims to provide a bold and unfiltered look at the early days of Hollywood, showcasing both the glamour and the pitfalls of the film industry during a transformative period. While it may not have achieved commercial success, its artistic ambition and exploration of the human condition resonate with audiences and critics alike.