Stephen King: Babylon Might Be Acclaimed as a Classic in 20 Years

August 11, 2023

Author Stephen King has shared his thoughts on Babylon.

In 2022, audiences were introduced to Babylon, an epic period black comedy-drama by Damien Chazelle, who helmed Whiplash, La La Land, and First Man. The movie starred Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and Diego Calva, and received a polarizing response from critics. The film currently only has a 57% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Does Stephen King like Babylon?

However, King, long-revered author of famous novels like It, The Shining, and Misery, praised the movie.

“Maybe this says more about me than the film, but I thought Babylon was utterly brilliant–extravagant, over the top, hilarious, thought-provoking,” he tweeted. “Might be one of those movies that reviews badly and is acclaimed as a classic in 20 years.”

Maybe this says more about me than the film, but I thought BABYLON was utterly brilliant–extravagant, over the top, hilarious, thought-provoking. Might be one of those movies that reviews badly and is acclaimed as a classic in 20 years.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) August 10, 2023

“Decadence, depravity, and outrageous excess lead to the rise and fall of several ambitious dreamers in 1920s Hollywood as the industry begins to transition from silent pictures to the world of sound films,” reads the official synopsis for Babylon.

Jonathan Sim is a film critic and filmmaker born and raised in New York City. He is a member of the Critics Choice Association and Hollywood Creative Alliance, and has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Newsweek, and Radio Times.

He has met/interviewed some of the leading figures in Hollywood, including Christopher Nolan, Zendaya, Liam Neeson, and Denis Villeneueve. He also works as a screenwriter, director, and producer on independent short films.