Babylon – Intoxication of Ecstasy: historical drama by Damien Chazelle starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Tobey Maguire
Plot and background
Following “La La Land” and “Going to the Moon”, director and Oscar winner Damien Chazelle turns his attention to the transitional period from silent to talkies in “Babylon – Rausch der Ekstase” and explores what this demanded of Hollywood’s biggest stars of the 1920s.
“Babylon – Intoxication of Ecstasy” – plot
With big ambitions in tow, Mexican immigrant Manny Torres (Diego Calva) travels to the booming film town of Hollywood during the 1920s. Film star Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt) not only easily manages to helm the biggest films of his time, but alongside him, up-and-coming actress Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie) becomes a sought-after great.
As the film industry undergoes massive changes with the advent of talkies in 1927, however, the careers of stars and staff are at stake. To ease the transition, showbiz journalist Elinor St. John (Jean Smart) is brought in to show the big stars how their careers can continue. With the big change, however, equally at stake are the rampant parties and drug excesses that were commonplace at the time.
“Babylon – Rausch der Ekstase” – background, cast, cinema release
After his rather quiet biopic “Going to the Moon” about Neil Armstrong, Damien Chazelle turns his attention to the dazzling as well as splendid golden Hollywood era with the advent of the talkies. “Babylon” is “boisterous and loud” (via Deadline) and also largely fictionalised. Although the roles around Jack Conrad and Nellie LaRoy are inspired by real stars of the time, you will look in vain for their productions named in the film.
With stars like Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”), Margot Robbie (“Birds of Prey”), Diego Calva (“Narcos: Mexico”), Tobey Maguire (“Pawn Sacrifice”), Max Minghella (“Social Network”), Jovan Adepo (“Operation: Overlord”), Samara Weaving (“Ready or Not”), Olivia Wilde (“Don’t Worry Darling”) and Jean Smart (“Hacks”), a top-class cast is on offer.
In the USA, “Babylon – Rausch der Ekstase” was already released at Christmas time 2022. The visually stunning epic subsequently qualified for Golden Globe nominations in five categories, including “Best Film Musical or Comedy”. And the notable cast is also honoured with the nominations, with Margot Robbie nominated for Best Female Lead, Diego Calva for Best Male Lead, and Brad Pitt for Best Supporting Male.
In Germany, the theatrical release date for “Babylon” is 19 January 2023.
