It probably won't last long, but, yesterday, “Babylon” surpassed “Babylon” to take the #1 spot at the box-office in France. This is the first time any movie has surpassed “Avatar: The Way of Water” in that country.
With the week-end coming up, ‘The Way of Water’ might retake the top spot, but the “Babylon” phenomenon in France is quite the story. At least it's a proof of the ongoing love for Damien Chazelle’s film in France.
Last weekend, “Babylon” matched its American opening in France, making close to $4 million. This performance was impressive since France has a population 5 times smaller than the US. Of course, it still won’t help the film break even. Not by a wide margin.
I never doubted that the French would fall hard for Damien Chazelle’s “Babylon.” The film was released in France eifht days ago and, as it currently stands, with 44 reviews amassed, has an impressive 4.0 rating on AlloCine (France’s equivalent to Rotten Tomatoes). This acclaim has led to some proclaiming it the first great movie of 2023.
If you missed Chazelle’s silent-era epic in theaters then you’ll be able to watch it at home on February 21st, which is when “Babylon” gets released on VOD.
“De Noche” is a detective noir co-written by Haynes and Jon Raymond, set in 1930s L.A. and Mexico. It has been described by Haynes as a “button pusher” that could warrant an NC-17 rating.