Directed by Damien Chazelle, 2022’s epic historical black comedy movie Babylon starred Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jean Smart, and more. The movie depicted the rise and fall of multiple characters during the 1920s when the entertainment industry had started transitioning from silent films to sound films.
The uncensored nudity, profanity, and drug use showcased in the movie led to various publications comparing the film’s atmosphere to that of The Wolf of Wall Street and The Great Gatsby. Upon release, the movie tanked at the box office and received polarized reviews from the critics as well as the audience. However, it went on to earn three nominations at the 95th Academy Awards. Robbie recently opened up about the future of the movie.
Margot Robbie still trying to understand why Babylon did not work
One of the most talked-about movies of 2022, Babylon, starring Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and more, upon release, failed to meet the set expectations of the audience and the critics after details were disclosed. Babylon secured a score of 57% on Rotten Tomatoes. But Margot Robbie cannot wrap her head around the fact that Babylon failed to impress the audience.
In her recent appearance on Talking Pictures, the actress shared
I love it. I don’t get the reaction either. I know I am biased because I’m very close to the project, and so obviously I believe in it. I still can’t figure out why people hated it. I often wonder if, in 20 years, people are going to be like, ‘Wait, Babylon didn’t do well at the time?
Robbie went on to cite that it’s the same case as Shawshank Redemption, which starred Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins and, upon release, was a box-office bomb. But over the years it became popular and is now regarded as one of the most significant movies in the history of cinema.
Even though the movie tanked at the box office, Margot Robbie enjoyed her time working on it and would love to team up soon with the filmmaker Damien Chazelle. She shared
I felt like no one ever really put their foot to the floor—like if I am in a car, no one actually put their foot to the floor with the gas. And he wanted that all the time; there was nothing but fifth gear with that character.
The actress recalled that at one point she had recorded 51 different accents for the character and asked him to pick one. They settled for the New Jersey accent of Nellie LaRoy, who struggled to navigate the switch between silent and sound movies.
Fans understand why Robbie feels this way about the movie, as they shared that Babylon is an underrated movie. A user noted that despite being a bit chaotic, the movie was good. A lot of fans commented that the movie was great, and it’s disappointing how it didn’t work. But a lot of them also noted that they couldn’t get past 20 minutes of it.
Margot Robbie reveals she would love to ‘direct’
After proving herself as an exceptional actress and a producer, Margot Robbie said she’d love to direct a movie at some point. She is just looking for something right to come her way. The filmmaker shared during the podcast,
It’s funny; I’ve always thought of directing as a privilege, not a right. Sometimes when I hear someone be like, ‘I’m going to direct’. I’, like, well, have you earned that yet? That’s certainly how I feel about myself.
The actress added that she feels very lucky that she gets to work with the best directors alive today, including Damien Chazelle, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Wes Anderson. Robbie mentioned that every time she gets a front-row seat to how these brilliant directors do it, it’s tempting for her to keep acting because she gets to watch and learn from the very best.
Earlier this year, the actress spoke to Variety and mentioned that directing is a dear ambition of hers. She shared at the time,
I am strict about saying no as a producer; I also get so excited with all the things that I can produce that it ends up taking up all my time. We have a penchant for actresses-turned-writer-directors at LuckyChap’s slate. It’s our sweet spot.
The actress mentioned that she and her husband, who started the production company LuckyChap Entertainment in 2014, had to be clear about why they started the company and what their North Star is always going to be. Margot Robbie is all about breaking the barriers with and for female talent, and if the project isn’t going to meet her standards, it’s not a project for her.
LuckyChap has produced I, Tonya, Promising Young Woman, Barbie, and Saltburn. It has also produced Dollface and Maid for Hulu and Netflix, respectively.
Babylon is streaming on Paramount+.
Frequently asked questions
Which Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt movie is the article about?
It is Babylon, the 2022 period epic written and directed by Damien Chazelle and released by Paramount Pictures. The ensemble cast includes Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva and Jean Smart, in a story about ambition and excess as Hollywood shifts from silent films to sound in the late 1920s.
Did Babylon actually flop, and how was it received?
Yes. Babylon was a commercial disappointment, grossing roughly $64.9 million worldwide against a production budget reported at around $78 to 80 million. Reviews were sharply divided, leaving it with a 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics split over its sprawling length and depictions of excess. Note that the $64.9 million figure is its box office gross, not its budget.
What did Margot Robbie say about Babylon’s reception?
Robbie said she loves the film and does not understand the backlash, adding that she wonders whether in 20 years people will be surprised it was not a hit at the time, and compared its possible reappraisal to films like The Shawshank Redemption. Despite the mixed response, Babylon earned three Academy Award nominations, for Costume Design, Original Score and Production Design.
