Australian actress Margot Robbie recently defended her $120 million film, “Babylon,” which faced a disappointing reception at the box office. Speaking on the “Talking Pictures” podcast, she expressed her confusion over the negative public response to the film, which co-starred Brad Pitt and Olivia Wilde. While Robbie’s performance in “Barbie” garnered significant acclaim, her previous project left her perplexed by the audience’s rejection. She noted her strong personal connection to the project, which made her struggle to understand why it did not resonate with viewers.
Robbie reminisced about her affection for “Babylon,” pondering whether future audiences would come to appreciate it similarly to how many now view the initially unsuccessful “Shawshank Redemption.” Despite its critical and commercial failure, her hope lies in the possibility of “Babylon” being re-evaluated favorably over time. The film, directed by Oscar winner Damien Chazelle, followed the tumultuous lives of silent film stars in the 1920s during a significant transition in the film industry. Though it featured a star-studded cast and an engaging concept, the film ultimately failed to connect with viewers.
The financial stats further illustrate the film’s struggle: with a hefty budget of around $120 million, “Babylon” only managed to gross approximately $23 million domestically and $96 million worldwide. As a result, it did not recoup its production costs, leading many critics to label it a flop. Media outlets universally echoed dissatisfaction with the movie, with reviews calling it a “messy” and “exhausting” portrayal of early Hollywood. Critics particularly noted that despite the big names involved, the film felt disjointed and lacked historical authenticity.
Notably, The Guardian criticized “Babylon” for being hysterical rather than historical, reflecting a broader skepticism that permeated the critical reception of the film. Even though Robbie received some appreciation for her acting skills, the movie itself fell short of expectations. The consensus around the film’s failure was not solely based on its narrative, as many believed it had immense potential but ultimately struggled to manifest it on screen.
In her podcast appearance, Robbie praised director Damien Chazelle’s creative vision, expressing admiration for his unyielding determination and thoroughness. She revealed that Chazelle pushed for more depth and intensity throughout the film’s production process, aiming for a unique portrayal of Hollywood history. This collaboration became a cherished experience for Robbie, who felt a genuine connection to the film’s artistic ambition, which further fueled her disappointment over its reception.
Despite the backlash, Margot Robbie remains hopeful that “Babylon” will be reevaluated positively in the future. Her belief in Chazelle’s directorial prowess and their combined efforts on the film fuels her conviction that, much like past cinematic failures, “Babylon” may eventually find a place in the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Such reflections suggest that the film industry’s history of discovering hidden gems offers optimism, allowing for the possibility that what’s considered a failure today may shine in retrospective glory tomorrow.