Opening Act

Wild Party Intro: Camera dives into a 1920s Hollywood bash, where extravagance and excess set the mood. Elephants, drugs, jazz – Babylon’s got it all.

Rising Action

Aspiring Stars: Meet Manuel “Manny” Torres and Nellie LaRoy. He’s got big director dreams; she’s an unapologetic party girl with acting ambitions. Their fates intertwine.

The Big Break: Nellie’s raw talent shines, grabbing the spotlight and a shot at stardom. Manny hustles behind the scenes, clawing his way up the chaotic ladder of Hollywood.

Climax

The Sound of Change: Talkies take over, throwing silent cinema and its stars under the bus. Nellie and Manny face the harsh realities of an evolving industry.

Falling Action

Career Turmoil: Nellie’s career hits the skids because of scandals and the new film technology. Manny’s dreams are within grasp, yet so far, juggling moral dilemmas and the cutthroat nature of the biz.

Resolution

Last Man Standing: Fast forward, Manny’s the mogul he always dreamed of being, hosting a swanky dinner, reminiscing about the wild, bygone era of Hollywood’s inception and its casualties.

Epilogue

Bygone Era: Manny reflects on the lost souls of Babylon, the glitz, the glam, and the gritty underbelly of Hollywood’s golden age, as the screen fades to credits over a haunting, jazz-infused skyline.

Writing Analysis of Babylon by Damien Chazelle

Story Opening

The opening of Babylon is a chaotic spectacle, immersing the audience into the wild, excessive world of 1920s Hollywood. It’s a strategic and audacious choice; the film launches into a vibrant party filled with drugs, sex, and violence. Chazelle knows the audience needs to feel the chaotic spirit of the era immediately.

Does it work?It does. Right from the start, viewers are thrust into a sensory overload that sets the tone for a story reflecting the highs and lows of ambition in the film industry. The frantic energy demands engagement and forces the audience to question their own feelings about depravity in the pursuit of art. It’s a bold risk that ultimately pays off.

Writing Formula Breakdown

• Inciting Incident: The sprawling party that serves as the film’s prologue.
• Character Arcs: Each main character has a clear trajectory, showing rise, fall, and sometimes, rebirth.
• Conflict: The pursuit of eternal fame vs. the inevitable fall into obscurity.
• Theme: The cost of ambition, the fleeting nature of success, and the morally ambiguous nature of the film industry.
• Visual Style: The cinematography, editing pace, and sound design contribute to a visceral experience that influences emotional reception.

Character-Driven vs. Story-Driven

Babylon is predominantly character-driven. The structure pivots around the lives of its characters—Manny, Nellie, and Jack—whose personal journeys intertwine with the larger story of Hollywood’s transformation. While the plot has significant developments, it’s the depth of the individual character experiences that make the narrative impactful.

Memorable Characters

The characters in Babylon are memorable not just for their ambition but for their flaws and vulnerabilities. They encapsulate the archetypes of the archetypal Hollywood dreamers who are willing to sacrifice everything for fame, only to confront the cost of their desires.

What makes them memorable?Their tragic arcs are grounded in real emotions—fear, loneliness, and desperation mixed with ambition. They provoke reflection on the human condition and the ever-elusive nature of success, making audiences empathize with their journeys, even amidst their morally questionable actions.

Main Characters

• Manny Torres: The aspiring filmmaker whose rise from immigrant worker to a key player in Hollywood captures the zeitgeist of ambition. His transformation is a compelling narrative thread that examines the cost of success and the relentless nature of the industry. Manny’s character is the lens through which the audience can reflect on the darker aspects of the film world.
• Nellie LaRoy: An embodiment of the era’s ambition, Nellie’s raw talent and indulgent personality personify the chaotic nature of the Hollywood dream. Her rise is meteoric but equally tragic, leading to a critique of fame’s intoxicating, destructive qualities. Nellie represents both the spark of hope and the tragic implosion of desire.
• Jack Conrad: A star at the peak of his powers, Jack serves as the cautionary tale of the pitfalls of fame. His internal struggles and eventual decline serve as a poignant reminder of the industry’s ephemeral nature, rendering him a complex character who parallels the golden age of Hollywood with all its dualities.
• Other Notable Characters: The film also enriches its narrative with the juxtaposition of various archetypes – the ambitious producer, the washed-up star, and the indifferent filmmaker. Each character weaves into the larger tapestry, creating a multifaceted representation of the era.

Conclusion

In Babylon, Chazelle presents an unapologetic meditation on ambition in the film industry. By focusing on character-driven narratives, he provides a critical analysis of fame’s elusiveness and the personal costs associated with the pursuit of greatness. The film is not merely a homage to Hollywood but a complex psychological exploration that challenges conventional narratives.

As advanced writers dissecting this piece, it’s essential to appreciate how character development and thematic depth elevate narrative beyond mere spectacle. Chazelle’s writing isn’t just about punchy lines or dazzling visuals; it’s about creating an emotional landscape that resonates with the audience long after the credits roll.

Inciting Incident

The film “Babylon” ignites with a visceral inciting incident: a lavish party at a sprawling mansion in 1920s Los Angeles. This is not merely a celebration but a chaotic microcosm of Hollywood’s excess and ambition. The party is rife with debauchery, musical performances, and a shocking moment where an elephant is introduced—only to create madness as it defecates in the middle of the festivities.

Symbolism: The elephant is more than a comedic spectacle; it represents the unchecked extravagance and the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry. It serves as a metaphor for the burdens and costs of fame, as well as the messiness of dreams pursued too fervently.

Meaning: The chaos of Hollywood’s rise is encapsulated—everything comes at a price. From the very beginning, Chazelle sets the tone for the transience of glory, foreshadowing the characters’ struggles with the looming changes in the industry.

Act Structure

“Babylon” unfolds in a classical three-act structure, intertwining multiple narratives of characters seeking their place in a transformative era.

Act One: Establishment of Characters and Ambition

The first act introduces key figures: Manny Torres (Diego Calva), an ambitious go-getter; Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie), the intoxicating starlet; and Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt), an established heartthrob with a waning trajectory. The act builds on their dreams—Manny’s desire to rise within the industry, Nellie’s need for validation, and Jack’s internal struggles with stardom’s inevitability.

Example: In the debauchery-filled opening, viewers witness Nellie’s reckless energy, foreshadowing her arc of both ascension and downfall.

Act Two: Rising Complications and Industry Changes

In the second act, the movie takes a darker turn. The characters grapple with the encroaching talkies—silent films give way to sound, and their personal and professional lives tumble. The relationships begin to fray under pressure, as ambitions collide with reality.

Insight: Chazelle explores how technological shifts disrupt dreams, highlighting the industry’s cruel volatility. For instance, as Jack struggles to adapt to the new medium, his reliance on charm falters, signaling the end of an era for him.

Act Three: Descent and Resolution

The third act spirals into chaos, a frenetic convergence of fates—Manny, Nellie, and Jack face their respective demons. Their stories intertwine, each leading to personal tragedy and self-realization.

Example: Nellie’s downfall is exemplified as she combusts in a desperate attempt to reclaim her stardom. Her initial allure fades, reflecting Hollywood’s fleeting nature and the price paid for fame.

The structure is circular; each character’s pursuit culminates in a reckoning revealing the bittersweet nature of aspiration, serving both as a celebration and critique of the industry.

Climax

The climax peaks during a chaotic, surreal film-set sequence that encapsulates the chaos of the characters’ lives. Here, the film’s frenetic energy reaches its zenith; we’re thrust into a maelstrom of sound, lights, and stark visual imagery depicting the characters spiraling further into their hedonism and despair.

Emotional Capital: The weight of regret and loss hangs heavily. Manny’s realization that he must let go of his ties to the industry crystallizes, amplifying viewers’ tension. This moment encapsulates the manic joy and sting of Hollywood—highs and lows coexist, creating a rich emotional tapestry.

Build-Up: Each character’s internal conflicts culminate here. Nellie’s spiral perks up tension as her actions grow increasingly volatile, while Jack’s loss of relevance and Manny’s desperate attempts to anchor himself serve as ominous transitions leading to the climax.

Tension and Release

“Babylon” is a masterclass in tension-building. Chazelle employs rapid cuts, overwhelming visuals, and a relentless score to maintain an unyielding pace—an echo of the frenetic energy of 1920s Hollywood. The tension often arises from the juxtaposition of ambition and the dark realities of the industry; every success is shadowed by the threat of downfall.

Tension Building Techniques:

• Ambiguity: Scenes filled with uncertainty heighten stakes—characters overindulge, knowingly walking a tightrope.
• Contrast: The juxtaposition between euphoric highs (parties, film successes) and tragic lows (deaths, failures) creates emotional whiplash.
• Visual and Auditory Cues: The film’s editing is frenetic—short bursts of sequences mirror characters’ multifaceted lives, leading to sensory overload.

Release: Moments of reprieve come in quieter scenes where characters reflect on their choices or share intimate connections. These brief pauses offer slices of humanity amidst chaos, allowing the audience to breathe before plunging back into the frenzy.

The Dichotomy of Dreams

One of the film’s core motifs revolves around the dichotomy of dreams versus reality. In a world saturated with possibility, the characters’ trajectories unveil the façade of success, portraying dreams as beautifully intoxicating yet perilous pursuits. The contrast between their aspirational beginnings and grim conclusions resonates deeply.

Symbolic Representation: Many visual motifs, such as the kaleidoscopic colors and extravagant set designs, serve as vivid illusions masking the despair underlying each character’s journey. Chazelle brilliantly delineates how the glamour of Hollywood serves as a double-edged sword, providing both opportunity and destruction.

Ultimately

“Babylon” is a bold tapestry of excess, aspiration, and downfall, rendering a harrowing portrait of the entertainment industry. It scrutinizes the very fabric of Hollywood—an industry that thrives on juxtaposing dreams with harsh realities.

Chazelle’s craftsmanship shines through—not merely as spectacle but a profound meditation on ambition and its costs. The film is a stark reminder that the price of success often eclipses the dream itself, offering a sobering commentary on the relentless chase for the limelight. As the credits roll, viewers are left contemplating the hollow echoes of glory as the characters’ fates linger in an unsettling silence.

The Ending Explained

At the end of Babylon, we see the character of Manny reflecting on his tumultuous journey through the highs and lows of Hollywood as he watches the evolution of cinema. He sees the rise of sound and the decline of the silent film era. The camera pans away from him, juxtaposing his personal nostalgia with the relentless march of progress.

Ending Categorization

Type: A melancholic meditation.
Resolution: Closure through symbolic transformation.

Symbolic, Thematic, and Speculative Meanings

• Symbolic: The passing of the silent era represents the inevitability of change in art, paralleling Manny’s own personal evolution.
• Thematic: The duality of excess and emptiness in pursuit of dreams—success comes at a cost.
• Speculative: The viewing of cinematic history prompts questions about the legacy of those who came before and what will remain of us.

Loose Ends and Payoffs Resolved

• Eric’s rise and fall: We see how the brutal industry consumes talent.
• The fate of previous characters and their unfinished arcs: Their stories fade into obscurity as Manny observes.
• The struggle between art and commercialism finds a moment of reckoning in Manny’s reflection.

Character Changes

Manny goes from wide-eyed ambition to a somber acceptance of the industry’s relentless nature. He realizes that dreams often come with a price, leading him to a more realistic and reflective worldview.

Lessons for Writers

The ending of Babylon teaches that:

• Reflective Closure: An ending doesn’t have to tie everything neatly—sometimes leaving questions can deepen meaning.
• Character Evolution: Show how experiences shape characters over time; change is often gradual and subtle.
• Thematic Resonance: Use visual symbolism to encapsulate thematic ideas, like Manny’s perspective on cinematic history.

How realistic is the dialogue?

The dialogue in *Babylon* is raw and unfiltered, reflecting the chaotic energy of the 1920s film industry. Chazelle strikes a balance between authenticity and theatricality. The characters often speak in exaggerated tones to convey their aspirations and emotional intensity, a tonal choice that is realistic for the intense world they inhabit.

Provide examples of the dialogue.

In one pivotal scene, Manny states:

“This is just the beginning. We’re going to change everything.”

This line encapsulates the ambition and idealism of the characters, serving as a microcosm of their desires in the film. Another moment features Nellie, asserting:

“I don’t want to just be an actress. I want to be a star!”

Her declaration underscores the desperation and fervor that drives the characters’ pursuits.

What is the quintessential character moment?

A quintessential moment occurs when Jack delivers a heartfelt line amidst despair:

“If we don’t push, we’ll be forgotten. I won’t let that happen.”

This captures his internal conflict and highlights the fear of obsolescence that pervades the narrative. It showcases his determination while revealing his vulnerability.

Cite the character’s best iconic lines.

• Manny: “You either have it or you don’t. And I have it.”
• Nellie: “I’m not a phase, I’m a force.”
• Jack: “This world doesn’t wait for you.”

How does the story reinforce and define the story theme?

The central theme of *Babylon* revolves around ambition and the price of success. Through the characters’ dialogues, we witness their relentless pursuit of fame regardless of the consequences. As they scale the heights of Hollywood, their dialogue often reflects a dichotomy between dreams and disillusionment.

For instance, when Nellie declares:

“I’ll do whatever it takes,”

it emphasizes the lengths to which characters go to achieve their dreams, reinforcing the idea that ambition can lead to both incredible success and devastating failures. The dialogue works in tandem with the characters’ arcs, painting a poignant picture of the highs and lows of the film industry.

1. Embrace Chaos and Complexity

Babylon thrives on the tumult of its world. Write characters who embody conflict. Use their flaws as narrative engines. Push boundaries.

2. Non-linear Storytelling

Move away from traditional arcs. Organize your narrative around themes rather than sequences. Let emotions guide your pacing.

3. Elevated Dialogue

Dialogue in Babylon is sharp and revelatory. Use subtext. Every exchange must serve dual purposes: reveal character and advance the plot.

4. Visual Storytelling

Write with imagery in mind. Incorporate visual cues that transcend language. Make readers ‘see’ the story through vivid descriptions and symbolism.

5. Thematic Saturation

Explore multiple themes simultaneously. Babylon’s chaos mirrors its exploration of ambition, vice, and redemption. Let your work be rich and layered.

6. Dynamic Character Arcs

Characters should evolve in unexpected ways. Bend their trajectories; allow for risky changes. This keeps the reader engaged and invested.

7. Juxtaposition as a Tool

Contrast scenes and characters against one another to amplify themes. Use polarity to enrich the narrative landscape.

8. Subversion of Expectations

Challenge what the audience anticipates. Avoid clichés. Create scenarios that provoke thought and evoke strong reactions.

9. The Importance of Setting

Use setting not just as backdrop, but as a character. Let the environment influence the plot and character dynamics.

10. Rhythm and Pacing

Control the ebb and flow of your narrative. Use abrupt shifts to simulate chaos; allow for moments of reflection in between.