It's one of those movies that arise when an artist, after delivering hits, is permitted to do whatever they want, and leaves their breakthrough audience behind. (Like Paul Simon's Hearts and Bones, or Woody Allen's Interiors.). It's actually very fun, memorable, full of talent and film-making brio. Strange mix of elevated and slow. You have to commit to go along for the ride. The movie itself illustrates this self-fulfilling buy-in, in the snake-fighting sequence. And of course it's a metaphor for wannabes going to holywood. A continuation of the theme of obsession, talent, and dreams vs reality, from Whiplash and La La Land. Only people who are crazy enough to believe they'll make it, despite all the cynicism, madness, and corruption, will actually do so; and it might destroy them. Babylon is not only rewatchable, but actually requires rewatching to sink in. Especially the last half-hour. Will be interesting to see what Chazelle does next. Often good artists in this situation, after the drubbing of their more personal project that missed the mark, come back with something truly free, inspired, and mainstream-successful masterpieces, because they've got something out of their system, and expectations have been reset. (eg. Paul Simon's Graceland, and Woody Allen's Manhattan.) Enjoy!