Typically, when we see social media reactions to major film releases, especially blockbusters, the results tend to be very, uh, generous. That’s when you get people really go for hyperbolic statements claiming “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” will melt your face and make you pray to the altar of Sam Raimi. Reading those sentiments, you mentally prepare yourself for something significantly less face-melty than the fanboy reaction will lead you to believe. But what happens when the social media reactions to a huge release range from people saying it’s the best film of the year with oscar worthy performances to the worst film of the year and the worst of a director’s career thus far? Welcome to the social media reactions to Damien Chazelle’s “Babylon.”
When it was announced, especially when we started to see the incredible cast come together, Damien Chazelle’s “Babylon” had all the makings of an Oscars powerhouse. Chazelle is coming off critical darlings such as “Whiplash,” “La La Land,” and “First Man.” Not only that, “Babylon” is a big-budget look at Hollywood and filmmaking from nearly 100 years ago, when silent films were transitioning into “talkies.” The cast? Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, Tobey Maguire, Olivia Wilde, Jean Smart, and so, so many more.
But then the trailer arrived and people were a bit confused. The trailer painted the picture of a very ambitious, beautiful film that has a lot on its mind and might suffer from being a bit too manic. (“Cocaine-fueled” was used numerous times to describe the trailer.) Then the runtime of just over three hours was revealed. (“Babylong,” amirite?) And now, with the reactions, the expectations and buzz are even more interesting.
Our own Gregory Ellwood seems to have a more down-the-middle read on the film:
Is it the disaster that some people believe it to be? Or is it the Oscar contender others are touting? Does an elephant really shit on the camera lens in the opening minutes? Regardless of the quality of the film, apparently, folks still are praising Margot Robbie’s role. I guess channeling an octopus and honey badger really paid off!
Here are some of the reactions we’ve pulled together for one of the most anticipated films of 2022, “Babylon”: