BABYLON (2022) & Hollywood Babylon: Metropolis, LA Confidential, Black Dahlia & More - Jay & Jamie
Jay Dyer and his guest, Jamie, engage in an extensive analysis of neo-noir films like "Babylon," "L.A. Confidential," and "The Black Dahlia," delving into the darker aspects of Hollywood's glamorous facade. They unpack themes of corruption, exploitation, and the moral complexities inherent in these narratives, highlighting the portrayal of women and organized crime's intersection with law enforcement. The conversation explores connections between classic and contemporary cinema, noting how films like "Babylon" echo earlier works while critiquing the excesses of the film industry. Ultimately, Dyer presents "Babylon" as a flawed yet significant exploration of cinematic history, merging dark comedy with serious social commentary.
Chain 6 steps
- Jay Dyer: Jay observes that L.A. Confidential reflects the intersection of Hollywood glamor and harsh realities.“It's about the police running the organized crime.”
via L.A. Confidential- Jay Dyer: The 'Black Dahlia' case has connections to occult practices and figures in Hollywood, particularly through George Hodel.“So, there were fewer theories and writings on who was behind the Black Dahlia.”
- Jay Dyer: 'Babylon Berlin' uses themes of trauma and corruption historically linked to its setting.“...if you've not seen Babylon Berlin, it's actually, um, it takes place in Weimar, Germany...”
- Jay Dyer: The director of 'Babylon' views it as both a critique and a celebration of the film industry.“the director of that movie said that it was a poison pen letter to the industry, but a love letter towards the art form.”
- Jay Dyer: Joan Crawford was also an original 'it girl'“So, it was Clara Bow, and it was Joan Crawford.”
- Jay Dyer: Manny's escape represents a contrast to other characters whose lives disintegrate due to the Hollywood system.“Because he escaped. So everyone who doesn't escape ends up.”
Subjects
18Jay Dyer discusses 'Babylon (2022)' in relation to noir genres and Hollywood's presentation of its darker elements.
Jay discusses 'Black Dahlia', a 2006 film based on James Elroy's novel, noting its poor reception despite its intriguing elements and connections to historical murder cases.
Jay describes L.A. Confidential as a classic neo-noir film from 1997 that critiques the image and reality of Los Angeles and the LAPD.
Jay Dyer discusses the connections between Hollywood figures and the Black Dahlia case, emphasizing the cultural significance of the era and the films produced during that time.
Jay Dyer discusses 'Babylon Berlin' in relation to its portrayal of corruption and psychological trauma in the context of post-World War I Germany.
Jay recommends 'Big Sleep' (1946) as an essential watch in the genre, linking its content to numerous other films discussing crime and Hollywood culture.
Jay Dyer mentions the Brotherhood of Saturn as a cult that existed in Los Angeles during the time of the Black Dahlia incident, linking it to conspiracy theories about the case.
Jay identifies Clara Bow as one of the original 'it girls' of Hollywood.
Jay Dyer connects Fritz Lang to themes of German Expressionism and suggests he was part of a network influencing early cinema.
Jay Dyer discusses George Hodel in connection with the Black Dahlia murder case, reflecting on his suspected connections to various sinister activities.
Jay Dyer notes that 'Glass Key' features characters and themes relevant to the discussions of classic noir films.
Jay Dyer discusses the concept of Hollywood Babylon and its themes of corruption and moral decay in the film industry.