This past March, an “early cut” of Damien Chazelle‘s “Babylon” was test-screened. The audience reaction was rapturous, and I heard from more than a few people using the word “masterpiece.” The cut shown was said to be NC-17 worthy, but an R rating will most likely occur.
Margot Robbie, Diego Calva and Jean Smart were all praised for their performances. The film was described as a mix of Fellini’s “Satyricon” and Scorsese’s “Wolf of Wall Street.” This early cut was said to be 188 minutes in length.
Well, it looks as though they didn’t cut a single minute of Chazelle’s movie, as I can report to you that, via Paramount/Variety, “Babylon” has an official runtime of … 188 minutes. That’s right, they’re sticking the with the early cut.
I’m not sure what the box-office prospects are for this film, but, more importantly, it will surely be one of, if not THE, most wildly ambitious movie of the entire year. “Babylon” tells the story of Hollywood’s early beginnings in the 1920s and the debauchery, partying, recklessness that ensued.
Last week “Babylon” was bumped up two days to a nationwide December 23rd, 2022 release date.
Criterion's December lineup has some great additions to the library, but the title that jumped out at me is Werner Herzog's "Grizzly Man," which officially joins the Collection on December 8.