In a surprising turn of events, Margot Robbie, the star of the highly anticipated film “Babylon,” has come forward to defend the movie’s disappointing performance at the box office. Released in 2022 and directed by Damien Chazelle, “Babylon” takes viewers back to Hollywood in the 1920s, a time of excess and decadence. Despite boasting an all-star cast including Brad Pitt, Tobey Maguire, and Olivia Wilde, the film failed to resonate with audiences, earning a mere $64.9 million against its $80 million budget.
Robbie, who played the role of overnight star Nellie LaRoy in “Babylon,” expressed her confusion over the negative reception during an interview on The Talking Pictures podcast. She admitted that she was unable to understand why viewers had such a strong aversion to the film. As someone deeply involved in the project, Robbie believed in its potential but acknowledged that she couldn’t fathom why it didn’t connect with audiences.
The actress even drew parallels between “Babylon” and other films that have since gained cult status despite underwhelming performances upon release. She wondered if, like “Shawshank Redemption,” which initially struggled at the box office but eventually became a beloved classic, “Babylon” would be reevaluated in years to come.
“Babylon” tells a tale of ambition and excess set against the backdrop of early Hollywood. Brad Pitt portrays Jack Conrad, a famous actor known for his extravagant lifestyle and tumultuous relationships. Meanwhile, Robbie’s character Nellie LaRoy navigates her way through the industry by indulging in drugs, parties, and sexual encounters.
The film opens with a wild celebrity soiree filled with scandalous behavior—sex, drugs, nudity—all of which Robbie described as a “party-slash-orgy.” It pulls no punches in depicting the unbridled decadence and depravity that defined the era.
While some critics praised the film for its well-acted performances and glamorous aesthetics, others found it overwhelming and exhausting. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Babylon” holds a lukewarm approval rating of just 57% based on 363 reviews. The critical consensus states that despite its glitz and glamour, the film’s excessive nature can be distracting.
However, viewers were far less forgiving in their assessment of “Babylon.” Many criticized the movie’s direction, writing off its stellar cast as wasted talent. One reviewer expressed disbelief at how everything seemed to have gone wrong during production, while another described it as shockingly bad. The sentiment was clear: this was a missed opportunity for greatness.
The failure of “Babylon” at the box office raises questions about audience preferences and the challenges faced by ambitious projects with high budgets. In an industry that values commercial success above all else, films like “Babylon” often struggle to find their footing amidst blockbuster franchises and established intellectual properties.
Nevertheless, Margot Robbie remains hopeful for the future of “Babylon.” She believes that time may bring a fresh perspective and renewed appreciation for the film’s unique portrayal of Hollywood’s golden age. As she continues her career in both acting and producing, Robbie is determined to take risks and push boundaries, even if it means facing occasional setbacks along the way.
Only time will tell if “Babylon” will gain recognition as a misunderstood gem or remain relegated to the annals of box office disappointments. But one thing is certain—Margot Robbie’s unwavering support for the project serves as a testament to her dedication and belief in pushing artistic boundaries in an industry often driven by commercial considerations.