‘Babylon’ Cut Said to Be NC-17 Worthy

"Babylon,” the upcoming movie written and directed by Chazelle, will put “Wolf of Wall Street” and “Fellini's Satyricon” to shame.

The film is said to have some really unhinged setpieces, showing the debauchery and degeneracy of old Hollywood. We already know it has the potential to go down as a modern masterpiece … if released according to Chazelle's wishes.

Paramount doesn't really know what to do with the picture, because of the graphic content and the running time (over 3 hours). From the scenes that a source has described to me, I wouldn't be surprised if it got an NC-17 rating.

Most of the graphic imagery Paramount, and probably the MPAA, are concerned about takes place in the film’s opening scene, which is said to be around 30 minutes. It’s Chazelle’s attempt at Fellini-esque debauchery, but set at a Hollywood producer’s mansion.

SPOILERS ATTACHED

Some of the imagery conveyed by Chazelle in this opening includes a fat naked man begging to be pissed on while tied up and oinking like a pig, an elephant defecating on people, a woman singing a song about how much she loves eating vagina and, most intriguingly, an orgy scene reminiscent of “Eyes Wide Shut.”

SPOILERS ENDING

There’s more, but I honestly don’t want to spoil the fun. I’m kind of kicking myself for knowing so much already.

Of course, I’m not sure how Chazelle could cut any of this graphic imagery. It’s the opening of the film! It sets the stage as an introduction for Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt’s characters.

At the time of this article, Paramount and Chazelle are still in disagreement over whether they should bring “Babylon” to the fall festivals. It’s understandable why there would be hesitation as this sounds like the kind of period epic that might polarize audiences and critics alike.