Babel (not the fish)

Went to see Babel tonight more out of curiousity because it seems to be picking up nominations and awards here, there and everywhere rather than any burning desire to see it.
The concept of three seemingly different stories which are subtly interlinked isn't a new one but it is done well. There is some imaginative and crisp camera work, particularly during the Japan-based story which involves a group of deaf teenagers.
The Brad Pitt-Cate Blanchett story line is the weakest. The drama of the situation those character found themselves in washed over me and may be in part because of Mr Pitt. It's not that he's a bad actor but I find he's too famous for certain roles. Julia Roberts is the same. I couldn't stop thinking 'it's Brad Pitt, everything will be fine'. Maybe I'm being unfair but I didn't feel any of tension, panic or frustration the story line should have generated.
Overall I left the cinema feeling bemused about the whole experience and puzzled over the point but not in a good way. I'm not adverse to films which are difficult to fathom, after all Donnie Darko is one of my favourites.
Great to look at but the stories on the whole washed over me.