Where is the limit between ambition and greed?

Film: Babylon (2023)
Directed by: Damien Chazelle

Damien Chazelle takes us back to 1920s Hollywood in his blockbuster movie, Babylon. The film portrays a vintage era of Hollywood, but the glitz and the glamour are quickly cast aside, as we are taken on a journey of various characters' battles with addiction and their thirst for fame, while working tirelessly to maintain their creativity and talent.

Chazelle's love for filmmaking, Hollywood, and the stories that Hollywood has given to the world, can be felt in every shot. Babylon provides a fascinating but provocative insight into actors who are trying to find - or figure out - their place in Hollywood.

Chazelle is an incredible storyteller – "La La Land" and "Whiplash' have proved so – and he once again delivers in this no-nonsense depiction of decadence and depravity; often crossing lines that I no longer thought possible in movies anymore.

Babylon explores the psychological damage that the pursuit of recognition can cause. In doing so, the film raises a question that only you as the viewer can answer: how far am I willing to go to achieve my dreams?

Although the story is historically and culturally distant, the characters' behaviours and personalities are not unfamiliar with what we imagine and see from celebrities, CEOs  and the everyday hard-working people of today.

Babylon's representation of the psychological effects of fame, image and success on one's self-esteem, well-being and attachment resonates with many issues encountered on social media in the present.

The first character we meet is Manny (Diego Calva). Portrayed as a supreme opportunist, Manny is creative, talented, resourceful and driven by his desires but he has little consideration for the consequences of his actions; not only for himself but for those around him.

Manny takes advantage of all circumstances to "be part of something bigger" and he explains how and why during a drug-fuelled exchange with Nelly (Margot Robbie). The film explores the impacts of Manny's choices and the manipulation techniques that directly affect his relationships, thus forcing the audience to question his intentions at every turn throughout the movie.

The psychological conditions that result from the pressure to maintain a certain acceptable public persona are put under the spotlight throughout this film. We follow Jack (Brad Pitt), a well-known movie star, who is trying – and struggling - to deal with the aftermath of fame.

Jack's struggles resonate with today's concept of "fame-shame" culture – a digital variation of traditional derision and shame dynamics studied through the lenses of social media [Russell, 2017]. Jack's desire to belong and be loved are revealed and make audiences sympathise with the character's personality.

Another psychological dimension of fame that is explored throughout Babylon, is how greed impacts your personality. Nelly's self-destructive behaviour frustrates and fascinates audiences. Her behaviour is triggered by her addiction to an overwhelming desire for further fame. Similarly to the experiences of many addicts, the void trying to be filled is perpetual, and the limitations of such drives are tested in Chazelle's movies.

While set in a vintage Hollywood era, Babylon's representation of the psychological effects of fame, image and success on one's self-esteem, well-being and attachment resonates with many issues encountered on social media in the present. Chazelle artistically captures the negative sides of the pursuit of perfection, showcasing characters that are willing to endure physical, psychological, and emotional pain to reach the finish line.

Society generally regards ambitions and dreams as desirable traits, but when we feel our desires for more are ruling, controlling, and affecting our lives, Babylon shows just how harmful this can be to ourselves and those closest to us.

References

Russell, G. (2017). Fame, Shame and Social Media: Missional Insights For Youth Ministry. Journal of Youth Ministry.