Babylon

I'm still wondering how people didn't like this movie? It's an engaging and fast paced movie since the start. The movie is a love letter to cinema and Damien Chazelle is now a "part of something bigger" in my eyes. Are you kidding me with the camera work? From the 'La La Land' back and forth camera movement between two subjects, to absolutely perfect lighting and colour grading, I loved every last bit of it. There are long one-shot sequences and a few sequences that are just shot so well (Snake fight, losing the light, innovation of talkies, the sets). The set of the movie is also admirable with the audience immersing itself into 1920s Hollywood. Now let us get to the acting. Margot Robbie is my standout performer. The scene where she cries on command and to the count, the scene where she adapts to cinema's innovation of sound (the talkies), and the scene where she erupts at the entitled aristocrats of 1920s LA Hollywood is enough to acclaim her performance. Diego Calva as Manny had a really deep character arc, only bested by Brad Pitt. Diego knew how to play with his arc, but the pacing of the arc felt very rushed in the end. Brad Pitt gave an amazing performance, with his classic mix of comic timing as well as acting his ass off in a few scenes. Watching him speaking Italian instantly reminded me of 'Inglorious Basterds'. His arc of superstardom to becoming a finished actor was one to admire. I will go on to say that this movie deserved at least a Best Picture nominee from The Academy- Snubbed. Personally, Damien Chazelle hits it out of the park with a movie that screams, "Cinema is still alive", and is 4/4 with his movies in my book.