Damien Chazelle's film "Babylon" is recognized as a profound homage to Old Hollywood, particularly focusing on the tumultuous transition from silent films to talkies in the 1920s. Chazelle intentionally incorporated elements that challenged audience expectations regarding 1920s behavior and wardrobe, aiming for a timeless feel. The movie features over two hours of original music by Justin Hurwitz, contributing to the film's intense atmosphere and capturing the "pulse" of the era. A significant aspect of "Babylon" is its direct acknowledgment of "Singin' in the Rain," exploring the forgotten origins of the titular song and how older Tin Pan Alley hits were reappropriated for new narratives about the sound transition.
Another significant film celebrating Old Hollywood is David Fincher's "Mank," which delves into the production of "Citizen Kane" and its screenwriter, Herman J. Mankiewicz. "Mank" is praised for its playful tribute to the studio system, highlighting the political landscape of the 1930s, including the use of propaganda by figures like Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg. The film also challenges the concept of auteurism by emphasizing the screenwriter's pivotal role and introducing new audiences to Marion Davies.
Billy Wilder's 1950 classic, "Sunset Boulevard," is also discussed as a "poison-dipped love letter to Hollywood" that remains highly relevant. The film expertly captures the anxieties of the mid-20th century, reflecting the industry's struggles with the rise of television, blacklisting, and financial difficulties. "Sunset Boulevard" brilliantly portrays the clash between the silent film era and the talkies, and the resulting obsolescence feared by many real-life figures in Hollywood, mirroring contemporary societal fears of technological change and irrelevance.
