Roger Ebert’s Great Movies list recognizes two remarkable Brad Pitt movies: the well-known thriller Se7en (1995) and the more underrated Babel (2006). These selections highlight Pitt’s impressive range across genres and the lasting impact of his performances. While Se7en has long been celebrated, Babel remains a lesser-known gem that deserves attention for its emotional depth and storytelling intricacies.
Ebert’s list, which includes around 365 films—from monumental classics like Lawrence of Arabia to visionary works such as Metropolis—shows the diversity and quality of cinema he deemed essential viewing. It is notable that Brad Pitt stands apart as an actor with two entries spanning eleven years on such a prestigious list, reflecting his contribution to film history.
Understanding Why Babel Earned Its Place Among Classic Films
Unlike the widely acknowledged Se7en, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Babel has struggled to achieve comparable popular acclaim. The film’s complex narrative and cultural layering may present challenges, yet it embodies a profound exploration of human suffering, connection, and redemption. Its themes of chaos, tragedy, and intertwined lives unfold across continents, making it a demanding but rewarding watch.
Roger Ebert, a critic known for his discerning taste and candid assessments, placed Babel alongside cinematic masterpieces, awarding it his highest rating of four stars. His extensive praise detailed the film’s meticulous character development and interwoven plot arcs. In doing so, Ebert underscored the film’s unique power and artistry, distinguishing it from more conventional drama.
Brad Pitt’s Role in the Broader Context of Iñárritu’s Death Trilogy
Babel is the third installment in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s so-called Death Trilogy, preceded by Amores Perros (2000) and 21 Grams (2003). Together, these films delve into themes of pain, loss, and the human condition through narratives that span Mexico, the United States, Japan, and Morocco. The trilogy’s interconnected stories examine the reverberations of suffering and the elusive search for redemption.
In 2006, alongside Iñárritu’s Babel, Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuarón each released Oscar-nominated films—Pan’s Labyrinth and Children of Men—which critics, including Ebert, credit with ushering in a New Mexican Cinema era. Yet within this context, Babel remains distinguished for its emotional complexity and thematic weight.
Despite its somber tone, Iñárritu himself rejected the bleak label often attributed to the trilogy, explaining,
My films don’t revolve around death, but around life, the contingencies of life.
This perspective reframes the series as an exploration of life’s unpredictable struggles and resilience rather than mere tragic fatalism.
The Narrative and Emotional Power of Babel
Babel weaves a multifaceted story driven by a seemingly insignificant act involving a child. Its plot stretches across multiple countries, portraying various characters caught in circumstances shaped by cultural misunderstandings and personal trauma. Ebert remarked on the film’s empathetic approach, highlighting how it,
The film builds to a stunning impact because it does not hammer us with heroes and villains but asks us to empathize with all of its characters.
This approach amplifies the film’s reflection on human vulnerability and interconnectedness, emphasizing complex motivations beyond clear moral binaries. The performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett anchor the narrative with subtlety and emotional grace, further strengthening the film’s resonance.
Babel’s Recognition and Legacy in Contemporary Cinema
Apart from being part of an acclaimed trilogy, Babel earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, testifying to its artistic merit. Its layered storytelling and cultural scope challenge audiences yet invite critical reflection on global human experiences. Though difficult to watch at times, its raw portrayal of trauma and hope continues to influence cinephiles and filmmakers alike.
For viewers eager to explore this significant work, Babel is available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video. It offers a unique lens into the human condition that complements Brad Pitt’s diverse film contributions honored by Roger Ebert and enriches understanding of Iñárritu’s impactful cinematic vision.
As cinephiles revisit Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Death Trilogy and the remarkable performances within, Babel stands out as a testament to film’s ability to portray life’s complicated tragedies and fragile hopes, a true masterpiece meriting broader appreciation.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Brad Pitt diagnosed with?
A. Yes, they did try. The actress and her husband attempted to have a baby using IVF. Unfortunately, none of their efforts succeeded. One report stated that she once became pregnant but lost the baby in the second month.
Q. What was Brad Pitt diagnosed with?
A. Prosopagnosia, known as face blindness, is a rare brain condition that impacts roughly 2% of people, possibly even including actor Brad Pitt.
Q. Did Brad Pitt do any surgery?
A. A popular TikTok video by doctors examining a small scar near the ear has sparked rumors of a hidden facelift, even though Brad hasn’t confirmed any plastic surgery.
Fans observe noticeable changes in his face by comparing photos from 2020 to 2024—his face appears smoother, especially around the mid and lower areas, and his jawline looks more defined.
Q. Has Brad Pitt done any surgery?
A. Brad Pitt has not said anything about having plastic surgery, but people still talk about his very youthful appearance in 2024. While some experts think he might have had a surgical facelift, they also consider non-surgical treatments as possibilities.
