The 2022 film Babylon, directed by Damien Chazelle, is a mesmerizing portrayal of the tumultuous transition from the silent era to the talkies in 1920s Hollywood.
1. Babylon’s Narrative
The movie follows the lives of Nellie La Roy, a budding actress played by Margot Robbie, and Manuel “Manny” Torres, a starstruck Mexican youth portrayed by Diego Calva, as they navigate the cutthroat world of the film industry, aiming to be part of something bigger.
2. First Meeting At a Hollywood Party
The story begins with Manny’s eagerness to work on a movie set, the most magical place in the world for him. He crosses paths with Nellie at a wild Hollywood party, and both aspire to join the film scene and play a small role in the larger-than-life Hollywood.
Their dreams lead them to encounter silver-screen heartthrob Jack Conrad, played by Brad Pitt, and the trio soon discovers how expendable stars can be in the alluring yet inescapable world of Tinseltown.
3. Challenges That Come With Newly Gained Fame
The film provides glimpse into the chaotic shooting process and the masterful aftermath of scenes when the perfect shot is attained. As the talkies come into play, the pressure mounts for the characters, particularly for Nellie and Manny, whose lives remain rocky even after excelling in front of the camera. The extended pressure of memorizing lines and delivering them in the right tone without any external sounds being captured on set adds to the challenges they face.
4. Evolution of Cinema
The movie culminates in a sequence of shots that go from The Passion of Joan of Arc, Jurassic Park, and Avatar, symbolizing the evolution of cinema and its fundamental building blocks.
The finale encapsulates the dream of “being part of something bigger,” as Torres realizes that he has, in a sense, been part of a grander narrative. The film’s ending is a poignant reflection on the evolution of the film industry and the enduring legacy of cinema.
5. Ending Explained
The conclusion of “Babylon” is a bittersweet one, as it portrays the characters’ struggles and the price they pay for their ambitions. Nellie’s stardom rises, but she ultimately dies in obscurity, her blistering fame reduced to a brief obituary.
Manny, on the other hand, achieves his dream of leaving his mark on the industry, but the film also embodies the transient nature of Hollywood and the enduring legacy of cinema.
6. How Did Nellie Laroy Die?
Nellie LaRoy dies from a drug overdose. A newspaper clipping in the film reveals that she was found dead in a run-down Hollywood apartment in 1938, without any foul play suspected by the police.
The article suggests that her death was likely the result of an accidental overdose. Nellie’s story in the film portrays her as a rising star who ultimately succumbs to the pressures and vices of the Hollywood industry, leading to her tragic fate.
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Babylon’s ending serves as a thought-provoking reflection on the evolution of cinema and the enduring legacy of the film industry, leaving the audience with a mix of emotions and a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking.
