Margot Robbie on the Mystery of 'Babylon's' Reception

Margot Robbie has vocalized her confusion regarding the negative response to her 2022 film, Babylon. In a recent episode of the Talking Pictures podcast, Robbie expressed her disbelief over the film’s failure to resonate with audiences. Despite being directed by acclaimed filmmaker Damien Chazelle, known for his successes like Whiplash and La La Land, Babylon struggled at the box office, grossing only approximately $15 million domestically against an $80 million budget.

The Emotional Connection to Babylon

During the podcast, host Ben Mankiewicz echoed shared sentiments about audience discontent with Babylon. Robbie passionately stated, "I love it! I still can’t figure out why people really hated it." She went on to wonder if, in two decades, viewers might look back at the film and be shocked to learn it was once considered unsuccessful.

“I wonder if in 20 years people are going to be like, ‘Wait, Babylon didn’t do well at the time? That’s crazy!’” Robbie noted, likening the film’s initial reception to that of the revered classic The Shawshank Redemption, which was also a failure upon release but later gained critical acclaim.

A Look Behind the Scenes

Robbie portrayed the audacious character, Nellie LaRoy, inspired by real-life Hollywood star Clara Bow. Her experience on set was nothing short of exhilarating, revealing that director Chazelle pushed her to explore various accents for her character. She recalled, "At one point, I counted all the voice variations I offered him and it was 51!" This dedication to character development only solidified her affection for the film.

Critics, however, had contrasting opinions about Babylon. With a mixed approval rating of 57% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film sparked diverse discussions. Variety's Peter Debruge characterized it as an “exuberantly messy” interpretation of Hollywood’s evolution, proposing that it was the last of its kind—an epic and extravagant piece that required a pre-pandemic cinema atmosphere to succeed commercially.

Chazelle's Perspective on Critique

Damien Chazelle, the film's director, previously shared similar sentiments regarding the polarizing feedback. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he mentioned that although the reception dealt with varied opinions, it was vital for the film to spark conversations. Chazelle stated, “We all knew the movie was gonna ruffle some feathers... That's good. More movies should do that.”

Robbie finds encouragement in the lively dialogue Babylon has ignited within both audiences and critics alike, suggesting that such passionate discourse reflects the film's impact, even if the reception isn't overwhelmingly positive.

Conclusion: A Hope for Future Recognition

In the end, Robbie remains optimistic that Babylon will find a new audience over time, much like other films that initially flopped but are now entrenched in cinematic history. As the entertainment industry continues to shift, it will be interesting to see if this ambitious work will gain a more appreciative perspective in the years to come.

Ultimately, Margot Robbie stands firm in her affection for Babylon, believing in its artistic value and expressing hope for its future legacy among cinema lovers.