How does Kenneth Anger use imagery in Hollywood Babylon?

Imagery:

"While Valentino was lying in state at Campbell's Funeral Home, New York streets became the scene of a ghoulish carnival as a mob of over 100,000 fought for a last glimpse of the Great Lover. "

"The shadow of Babylon had fallen over Hollywood, a serpent spell in crude cuneiform; scandal was waiting, just out of Billy Blitzer's camera range."