Damien Chazelle says he appreciates when a movie gets a polarizing reception, which certainly describes the critical reaction to his most recent effort, Babylon.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker spoke Insider for a interview published online Monday ahead of the film’s release in the UK, and he was asked what he thought of the film which currently has a 55 per cent approval rating on Rotten tomatoes. Babylon focuses on Hollywood’s transition from silent film to the sound era in the 1920s, and the cast includes Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva and Jean Smart.
“Once the filmmaker finishes the movie, it kind of becomes the audience’s, and so do the critics, everyone included,” Chazelle replied. “And everyone is going to have a different take on the movie, and I think they’re all legit. Then it becomes, in a sense, the film of the world.”
He explained that while he has no problem with filmmakers tinkering with their films after release, he personally doesn’t believe in that. “It’s fine, but I think at some point a movie represents a moment in time and a moment in history,” said the First man director said. “You finish the movie, you send it out and then I think it’s time to really move forward on some level beyond the talking about it that’s necessary to promote it.”
Chazelle continued, “But it’s good to have something that encourages conversation and debate and lots of fierce opinions on both sides. We all knew the movie would ruffle some feathers and piss some people off, and I think that’s a good thing. More movies should do that.”
There’s no question that the film has sparked debate, especially in light of its box office bombing of less than $15 million to date. In his review for The Hollywood Reportersaid chief film critic David Rooney Babylon “feels like overworked pastiche.” He also wrote, ‘No doubt many cool kids will eagerly sign up to be pummeled by the film’s insane excesses, though just as many will find it tiresome and sour. Even his technical virtuosity feels offensive.”
The film has remained a part of the awards season conversation, having been nominated for five Golden Globes, including a Best Score win. Babylon also received nine nominations for Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards, with the single win for Best Production Design.
