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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The Wizard of Babylon.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is The Wizard of Babylon Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1982)

A documentary about German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder, during the time of filming "Querelle," features an interview with Fassbinder only ten hours before his death....

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Documentary cinema, then The Wizard of Babylon offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1982 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Documentary films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Wizard of Babylon (1982), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A documentary about German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder, during the time of filming "Querelle," features an interview with Fassbinder only ten hours before his death."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Rainer Werner Fassbinder feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Wizard of Babylon worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Wizard of Babylon misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 83 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

83MIN

At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.