Margot Robbie, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in blockbuster hits, recently shared her bewilderment regarding the lukewarm reception to the film “Babylon.” Despite its star-studded cast and ambitious storytelling, the movie directed by Damien Chazelle didn’t resonate with audiences as expected. In a candid conversation on the Talking Pictures podcast, Robbie expressed her confusion over the film’s critical and commercial underperformance.
“‘Babylon’ was a labor of love for everyone involved,” Robbie reflected, “It was bold, it was different, and we poured our hearts into it. So, it’s really baffling to see how it was received.” The film, set during the 1920s, captures Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies, offering a kaleidoscopic look at ambition, excess, and the dreams of those caught in the industry’s whirlwind.
Critics had mixed reviews; some hailed its vibrant depiction of an era, while others found its nearly three-hour runtime and chaotic narrative overwhelming. Robbie, however, remains hopeful about its future legacy. “I wonder if in 20 years people are gonna be like ‘Wait, Babylon didn’t do well at the time? That’s crazy,’” she pondered. Her optimism stems from a belief that sometimes art, especially of the daring variety, needs time to be appreciated, akin to cult classics that were initially misunderstood.
Despite the disappointment, Robbie’s career continues to soar. Her involvement in “Babylon” showcased her willingness to take on challenging roles, pushing boundaries with her portrayal of Nellie LaRoy, a character that embodies the wild spirit of early Hollywood. With an eye on the future, Robbie’s reflections might just be the beginning of a reevaluation of “Babylon” as audiences and critics alike revisit its themes and performances with a new perspective.
This isn’t the first time a film with Robbie has stirred debate; her work often blurs the line between mainstream appeal and indie credibility, making her one of the most intriguing figures in contemporary cinema. As “Babylon” fades from theaters, it might just be planting the seeds for a future where it’s remembered for its audacity rather than its initial reception.
