Babylon is a 1980 movie directed by Franco Rossi.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Babylon tells the story of West London black youth in the early 80’s. Their identities are forged through reggae sound system competitions and enduring racial tension.
ONE LINE REVIEW
The culture of Reggae sound system is the soundtrack for a clash of race, culture and lost youth.
THE ACTORS
The cast of Babylon is comprised of mainly unknown actors, which gives the movie an authentic feel. Given that the characters are young and often aimless, the actor’s inexperience is an asset. The standout performances are delivered by Brinsley Forde’s Blue, whose life unravels over the course of the movie. He is subject to cruel racism, loses his job, leaves his house and is pursued by police.
Forde captures the angst and confusion of lost youth – the repressed anger and raw sorrow explodes in a few scenes as he’s confronted by his mother’s live-in boyfriend. He clings to his righteousness but knows financially he’s inferior. Similarly, he feels betrayed by his girlfriend. He wants to channel the kind of domestic domination he’s seen elsewhere but cannot.
Trevor Laird’s Beefy may be the movie’s most intriguing character. He serves as a comic foil for the Il Lion crew, parading the streets with his neighbor’s mammoth dog. He’s considered a joke – but unleashes terrifying, but justified rage at the crew’s overtly racist neighbors. The movie’s most striking scene sees Beefy attempt to physically confront the racists. Unhinged, he screams and has to be restrained by Blue and Ronnie, the only white man in the crew.
Karl Howman’s Ronnie provides a great contrast to the others’ struggles. He ‘s more at home with his black friends and on the surface, suffers from similar struggles. However, when their flat/studio is destroyed by racists, he suddenly finds himself as the outcast – he’s accused of “talking black.” Similarly, his character retains the job Blue is fired from, mainly thanks to his skin color. Yet, there’s a touching honesty to their relationship. They wander along a pier, reminiscing of old parties and spliffs.
THE DIRECTOR
Rossi doesn’t employ many narrative tricks in telling his story. The locations rotate between the flat studio, the club, churches and Blue’s various whereabouts. Each setting is unpolished and all characters are believable. The movie’s pulse comes from the pounding reggae soundtrack, which is present throughout. The club competition scenes are tremendous and show the vibrancy and congested thunder of a unique musical moment.
THE BEST – The Clothes
Beefy pulls off the casual track suit with fur coat and music leader Dread sports his red scarf and gangster trench. Lonsdale clothing is everywhere. There’s a “walking flag of Ethiopia.” It’s an amazing display of style – both underground and with the more traditional church goers.
THE BEST Part 2 – Old vs New Music
There’s an intriguing scene where Dread peddles his new record to a shady producer – who reminds the budding artist “this isn’t Trenchtown, this is Brixton.” Dread’s sound represents the evolution of reggae from its more methodical roots to a newer, more vibrant tempo.
THE BEST Part 3 – The Engagement
The absolutely scared shitless expression on David N. Haynes’ Errol as he takes a bus to his own engagement party is priceless. It’s a party he tries to miss – he’s hours late but eventually relents. The actual party feels like a somber event, given the chaos of the crew’s lives. The divide between the more traditional, religious older generation and wayward youth is striking.
THE BEST Part 4 – The Rasta Church
Blue is drifting and finds himself homeless. In a mesmerizing scene, he checks out a Rasta church. Rossi lets the moment breathe – building to an intense sermon.
THE BEST Part 5 – Bloodclaat
Babylon is packed with reggae sound system and street slang. The most expressive and recurrent phrase is “bloodclaat”, which roughly translates to “motherfucker.”
THE WORST – All White People Not Named Ronnie
There’s something particularly vicious about British racism. Similar to The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, minority workers are brazenly taken advantage of and then easily discarded. The racism is more pointed coming from the perspective of poor whites, who view blacks as a symbol of a changing society. This strong nationalistic urge results in savage dehumanizing that reeks of colonialism.
The scene where the crew’s studio/flat is vandalized leads to a heartbreaking realization about race. Beefy’s rage is focused on Ronnie – who prevented him from previously confronting the racists responsible for the destruction. Instead of recognizing a friend, Beefy can only see the ugliness of race and what is ultimately generations of mistrust.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5
Babylon is a unique experience given that it explores a time and culture not often witnessed in film. The presentation is raw and straight-forward, which is appropriate and refreshing. This is a tough watch at times, but also a vibrant look at wayward youth. A must watch.
