Susan Granger’s review of “Babel” (Paramount Vantage)
Like last year’s Oscar-winner, “Crash,” “Babel” intertwines several apparently distinct stories. The title evokes the Biblical Tower of Babel, as the theme centers on the difficulty of communication and trust, both global and personal, in North Africa, Southern California and Japan.
There’s an American couple (Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett) traveling on a tour bus through the barren desert in Morocco – when the wife is accidentally shot in the neck by an impetuous young goat herder trying out a new rifle. With his wife bleeding and helpless, the husband tries to summon medical help from the U.S. Embassy while seeking compassion in a dusty, remote village where the suspicious locals speak another language and are steeped in an ancient culture.
In San Diego, a kindly Mexican nanny (Adriana Barraza), an illegal immigrant whose employers are out-of-town, makes a catastrophic decision to take the two American children in her charge across the border for her son’s wedding in a car driven by her hot-headed, irresponsible nephew (Gael Garcia Bernal).
And in Tokyo, an affection-starved, deaf-mute teenager (Rinko Kikuchi) acts out her frustration and isolation.
Written by Guillermo Arriaga and directed by Alejandro Gonzelez Inarritu, who collaborated on “Amores Perros” and “21 Grams,” its narrative structure involves disparate families struck by random fate and the perils of being unable to communicate. Emotional suspense is evoked by presenting the parallel plotlines out of chronological order. Artistic accolades go to editors Stephen Mirrione and Douglas Crise, photographer Rodrigo Prieto, production designer Brigitte Broch and musician Gustavo Santaolalla.
The acting ensemble is superb – particularly Adriana Barraza and Brad Pitt, who deserve Oscar nominations. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Babel” is a compelling, tension-filled 10. A cinematic masterpiece, it’s one of the best pictures of 2006.
