The critique of commercial Christianity was derailed in Hollywood as early as the 1920's and 30's, and December's movie "Babylon" weaves fantasy and reality into a crazed cocktail of movie magic, and sordid sexuality away from the cameras eye.
For many, including myself, movies are an opiate to the senses, venturing into the frontiers of free expression and the kaleidoscope of imagination lures us into darkened movie venues laden throughout the lands.
As advertised, Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie) was loosely based on the iconic 20s actress, Clara Bow. Like Bow, LaRoy sheds tears on cue for the camera, and claims it's easy to cry instantly simply by thinking of her home life. Having read 1988s, "Clara Bow: Running Wild" by David Stenn, Bow indeed was able to shed tears instantly on camera if the scene dictated so.
"Crying is easy, I just think of home," Clara Bow said.
Between 1906-1910, before she was old enough for kindergarten, Bow's mom hooked herself to abusive men while under her supervision, and that's just the tip of the ice berg on Bow's torrid childhood. I have an extensive and geekish knowledge on the gossip of this Roaring 20s flapper. Eight of the 13 movies I've seen of Bow's are worthy of multiple views.
"Babylon" (s) LaRoy indulged in sex, cocaine and life itself as did Bow during her peak years as a star. Once Upon a time, Clara Bow was the number one box office draw in America, if not the world.
LaRoy mounts an ice sculpture at a ritzy premiere party, and a studio executive says to another higher up,
"Yep, that's our new star, fucking the ice sculpture."
I honestly don't remember Bow fucking an ice sculpture in front of strangers, but it's certainly unsurprising if she had. "Running Wild" is a fitting title for Clara Bow's biography.
Other similarities to Bow occur, then "Babylon" becomes its own story.
Insane sexual references to Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle, are suggested in "Babylon," I perceive.
Fans of twisty, yet comprehensible dialogue should like "Babylon." A solid three star rating from myself.
Mark Izzy Schurr
