Weekend Movie Recommendation by Chrischi
In the heart of 1920s Hollywood, a world of excess and hedonism unfolds in Damien Chazelle's latest film, "Babylon - Rush of Ecstasy." The film, which was released in German cinemas in September 2025, takes audiences on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of early Hollywood.
The movie opens with a wild party attended by Hollywood's elite, including studio boss Don Wallach (Jeff Garlin) and an unexpected guest - an elephant. The party scene features an impressive long take, showcasing Chazelle's directorial prowess, much like his previous works "Whiplash" and "La La Land."
The film's star-studded cast includes Brad Pitt, Diego Calva, Jovan Adepo, Jean Smart, Olivia Wilde, Lukas Haas, Eric Roberts, Samara Weaving, and Tobey Maguire. Pitt portrays Jack Conrad, a silent film star whose career begins to falter with the arrival of sound in the film industry. Conrad, in the midst of another divorce and a lover of the bottle, delivers a particularly bizarre turn in the film.
Margot Robbie delivers a standout performance as Nellie LaRoy, an ambitious wannabe starlet who claims to be a star despite never having acted before. Her career in the film industry is boosted by the advent of talkies in the 1930s.
Jovan Adepo plays Sidney Palmer, a black jazz musician who faces racism on set, being told to darken his face with coal. Despite the challenges, Palmer's talent shines through, offering a poignant commentary on the industry's biases.
Diego Calva portrays Manny Torres, a studio employee who climbs the ranks to become a powerful executive. The production design in "Babylon - Rush of Ecstasy" is phenomenal, transporting viewers back to the glamour and decadence of the era.
The story follows these stars and more as they navigate the shifting landscape of early Hollywood. Tobey Maguire delivers a memorable performance, adding to the film's ensemble of outstanding actors.
"Babylon - Rush of Ecstasy" is a star-studded epic about the transition from silent to sound film, set against the backdrop of a period of excess and hedonism in Hollywood where many lives were claimed by the industry's demands. Reviews for the film were mixed, and it struggled to resonate with audiences, but its impact on the industry and its portrayal of Hollywood's golden age make it a film worth watching.
The film ends with a touching and reconciliatory collage, offering a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of fame and fortune in the world of Hollywood. "Babylon - Rush of Ecstasy" is a testament to Chazelle's vision and a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
Read also:
- Today's most impactful photographic moments
- Support for Eric Adams in The Post's Letters to the Editor on August 13, 2025
- Roosting Shark and Rambunctious Red Squirrels: Unconventional House Rental in Yorkshire Involving Aquatic Marvel, Squirrely Mayhem, and Mystical Planning Regulations
- Legal Dispute Dismissed with Humor: Supreme Court Laughs off Another Civil Matter Mislabeled as Criminal Prosecution
