Babel - 10-06

By: Clayton Davis



Walking into a movie theater there are neutral expectations that enters the average viewer, being entertained being the most prevalent, enjoy the moments ahead whether it's in comedy, drama, musical, etc. is important to every movie-goer. No person wants to waste time or money on a film that will be keep them in the realization of being in a movie theater. The next usually depends on what genre you are watching, in this case drama, you searching to be moved, possibly learn something that will open your mind, heart, and soul to a brand new idea. The idea usually pushes the bar to new extremes such as past films as Crash, Forrest Gump, and even though aging poorly American Beauty. Babel, the newest addition to the Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu film series of unique narratives is an immense film with a beautiful cast ensemble that is dedicated to the cause yet it becomes insanely heavy to the viewer and forces an immediate disengagement from the film if even for minutes at a time to catch a breath.The film is told in four different languages: Arabic, English, Spanish, and Japanese. (I do believe there is some French in there too.) We are thrown into four interwoven, grim tales of racism, discrimination barriers and journey seeking courage.



Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett play Richard and Susan, a married couple vacationing in Morocco to reignite any flame left of their marriage but a coincidence will leave them stranded in a series of conflict, tragedy, and helpless, thousands of miles from "civilization." Koji Yakusho and Rinko Kikuchi are "Yasujiro" and "Chieko," father and daughter living in Japan trying to rebuild a relationship since the untimely death of Chieko's mother. Two unknown young actors portray Moroccan brothers who instigate the events of the film. Adriana Barraza is Amelia, a Mexican nanny living in the United States taking care of Richard and Susan's children as they deal with their situation. Due to circumstances, she decides to travel to Mexico to attend her son's wedding with the children. Her unconditional care for the children is the emotional center of the picture and is where the film finds prosperity.The film is unusual but accurate, awkward but compelling, and bizarre yet organic. The film's cinematography is gorgeous panning in and out of the stories as if we were living right beside the disposition. Crisp, clear editing add to the depiction but this is where I needed the breather. The viewer never feels jaded by the narrative but as the writing is so thought provoking, the message being whispered, to say the least, feels at times being thrashed over the skull. I learned a lot which might be an understatement but there's a line between being taught and being abused. Several times, I had to close my eyes just to remember that my life isn't as bad as these individuals and that there is some communication between people without bloodshed, insult or tragedy.

The performances are by far one of the finest depictions of contemporary characters in recent memory. They're raw, intense, pure and actual in expressions as the actors deliver them to us. Brad Pitt gives his finest performance to date although not the best of the year by any measurement. Pitt finds the inner most personal parts of Richard and illustrates it to the audience. With his name alone, it should likely carry him to the top five. Baffles me how he is first billed, or any the four actors listed, and this is claimed to be an ensemble piece.(which it clearly is) The great Cate Blanchett whom is reserved to cries, screams and yells shows us she is still "Cate that Great," even in the smallest of roles.

The revelation of the film comes from the elder, Adriana Barraza and the young and fearsome Rinko Kikuchi. As stated earlier, Barraza's devotion to the children are the emotional center of the film but the role didn't become alive until the finale. Also, like Blanchett, she is relegated to simple, repetitive gestures but is given the chance to excel and shine right out the silver screen. Kikuchi, whom is deaf and mute in the film, is utterly heartbreaking. Let's imagine Holly Hunter from The Piano and multiply that by a death of a mother, a yearning to be loved, and a sincere feel of desperation. Kikuchi eyes alone will leave you shambles as the story progresses. It's her story that teaches this viewer the most but makes unfasten himself from the car and open the window for fresh air.Oscar prospects will more than likely see Babel in the Best Picture race with Innaritu locking up a director's spot. Directing in many languages should bring acclaim on its own before viewers even see the film. It was as if he spoke in the many tongues of language and everyone understands him perfectly.

Guillermo Arriaga is also locking up an Original Screenplay nomination and he is long overdue with past snubs with 21 Grams and Amores Perros. I believe it'll be Arriaga, Emilio Estevez for Bobby, and Michael Arndt for Little Miss Sunshine battling it out all season long. Editing and cinematography are also feasible. Babel is a great experience and I'm sure others will probably find out superb and tremendous but this is not Crash by any means rather belongs in a category all its own. Enjoy the experience.

Grade: ***1/2/****