to an hour are not for the faint of heart. The opening scenes are the most wild scenes I have seen in my entire life. The movie begins with an insanely wild party full of insanely wild things. It’s a rollercoaster that feels like it will never end. Sitting in that theater for 40 minutes I wondered what was happening, and even almost left because I was so confused and a little disgusted.      However, once you surpass this, the movie takes a remarkable turn. A turn that was very welcomed.

     We are introduced to our main characters from the beginning, but now we finally get the chance to understand them. The story follows three main characters: Nellie LaRoy played by Margot Robbie, Jack Conrad played by Brad Pitt and Manny Tores played by Diego Calva. The cast is star-studded and absolutely brilliant. Each actor morphs into their respective role and brings out these characters who are larger than life. Nellie LaRoy, is a vibrant young woman who comes to Hollywood as an aspiring actress. Every scene LaRoy is in is full of excitement, and we the audience watch in awe at her vibrance and sorrow. 

     Meanwhile, Jack Conrad is an established, well-respected actor in Hollywood. Conrad is a typical Hollywood actor who parties, bathes in his wealth and goes through numerous marriages. His story line is different then LaRoy’s, however, in the way that it is quieter. His scenes break up the chaos and give the audience a chance to breathe. Even his most powerful, intense scenes have an air of simplicity around them. 

     Finally, never before have I felt more seen as I have with Manny Tores. I would argue that Tores is the true main character of this film. He is the first one we are introduced to, and the last one we see before the credits roll. Tores works several odd jobs in Hollywood, but each one gets him closer to his rise to success as a director. In several scenes where the actions of the characters are unpredictable and unreasonable, Tores sits absolutely confused. He is like our tour guide through this crazy world of “Babylon'', but in the end he sees us through.

     Over the movie, we undergo and watch a lot of changes. Hollywood is a living, breathing thing that is ever changing. As it changes though, it affects the people who work within it. It gives these actors fame and fortune, but only for a limited time. In the end, it takes it all away and leaves these actors with their solitude. However, one of the concepts I loved about “Babylon” was the idea of the immortality that is given to actors through films. The movie makes the point of showing how even after these actors are long gone, they get to live again on screen. 

     What I love most about “Babylon'' is the symbolism. The name itself has meaning behind it that is brilliant to me. Babylon is a religious name that refers to a strong, but corrupted place. That is exactly what Hollywood is. From the outside, it is covered in glitz and glamor. It appears irresistible, but on the inside it is full of corruption and malice. “Babylon” is littered in so much hidden meaning and symbolism, that with each rewatch, there is something new to discover. 

     I personally loved “Babylon.” This film is a true ode to cinema. Not only is the cinematography breathtaking, but the last 10 minutes of the film are some of the best choices of editing and storytelling I’ve ever seen. In the last 10 minutes, Tores sits down to watch a movie. During his emotional reaction to remembering the past, the audience is met with an intense montage of some of the most important moments in cinema history. It is powerful, raw and brings out a lot of emotions. It is a whirlwind of rapid change and thrill, and is the perfect way to end a film as wild as this.