Am including this image (by Brian Brooks) because I really enjoyed the chance to talk a bit about "Babel" last night with two of its co-stars, Gael Garcia Bernal and Rinko Kikuchi (at a Q & A following a special SAG screening).

"Babel," which I first saw in Cannes back in May (and watched again last night), is stirring polar opposite opinions among critics and viewers. I am among its fans and feel its one of the best movies of the year. Comprised of four interwoven storylines, the film includes an intricate combination of stirring scenes set on three continents, ultimately creating a jarring look at language and communication within disparate interpersonal relationships. I found the cumulative effect quite emotional. Quotes from the Q & A are available in indieWIRE's New This Week column.