Review of Babel (2008) by Matt F — 14 Mar 2012
Some have called "Babel" a great piece of filmmaking. I'd call it ambitious, and perhaps great in fits and starts, but there are times when the film sags under the daunting task it has given itself.
Inarritu, focusing on the theme of global human interconnectedness and fate, has woven four stories together in which the actions of certain characters, unbeknownst to them, that help shape critical events of their lives.
Some moments are poignant in and of themselves, but the film as a whole feels like a patchwork quilt - with several unrelated items stitched together in a disorganized way. It's also way too long, with each story feeling like it goes on for about one or two scenes too many.
As far as acting goes, the stars in this picture, Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, do solid but unspectacular work. The rest of the cast, names not known to the casual North American viewer, also operate in the same way: agreeable but nothing special.
Since they were in the same Oscar year and the comparison always comes up (because they are so similar structurally), I'll get you all out of here on this: yes, I think "Crash" did a better, multidimensional job than "Babel" and it probably deserved more Oscars in the process.
It's a close call, but I say skip "Babel".
This review of Babel (2008) was written by Matt F on 14 Mar 2012.
Babel has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
