In the world of blockbuster hits and misses, Margot Robbie’s film “Babylon” stands out—not for record-breaking earnings but for its surprising failure at the box office. Directed by Damien Chazelle, known for his work on acclaimed films like “La La Land” and “Whiplash,” “Babylon” was anticipated to be a significant hit. Co-starring Brad Pitt, the film attempted to capture the tumultuous transition from silent films to talkies during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Despite the stellar cast and a promising director, the movie earned a mere $64 million against its $80 million budget.
Margot Robbie, reflecting on the film’s reception, expressed her bafflement in an interview with Variety. “I love it. I don’t get it either. I know I am biased because I am very close to the project and I obviously believe in it, but I still can’t figure out why people hated it,” Robbie said. Her love for the project remains strong, despite the film’s performance, suggesting a disconnect between the creators’ vision and the audience’s expectations.
Exploring the Themes and Performances in “Babylon”
“Babylon” explores the excesses of early Hollywood, a theme Chazelle has woven through much of his work, focusing on the darker sides of ambition and the personal toll of artistic pursuit. Robbie’s portrayal of Nellie, a character caught in the whirlwind of this era’s dramatic changes, was met with polarized reviews. Critics pointed to the film’s excess as a potential downfall, yet some fans have come to appreciate this aspect as central to its commentary on historical Hollywood.
The narrative ambition of “Babylon” and its detailed portrayal of a pivotal era in film history have started to gain more appreciation over time. The film’s ending montage, in particular, has been highlighted by cinephiles for its emotional and cinematic impact, indicating that “Babylon” might be on its way to becoming a cult classic, much like how “The Shawshank Redemption” rose in esteem years after its initial release.
The Impact of “Babylon” on Damien Chazelle’s Career
The financial disappointment of “Babylon” has not been without consequence for its director. Chazelle shared on the Talking Pictures podcast, “Certainly, in financial terms, ‘Babylon’ didn’t work at all. You try to not have that affect what you’re doing creatively, but, at some level, it can’t help but affect it.” These comments reveal the challenges directors face when previous projects underperform financially.
Despite these hurdles, Chazelle’s career continues to move forward. Rumors swirl around his next project, potentially a biopic of daredevil Evel Knievel starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Paramount Pictures, the studio behind “Babylon,” has shown continued faith in Chazelle by backing this new endeavor, a significant vote of confidence from the industry.
A Second Look at “Babylon”
As “Babylon” finds a new audience and reassessment among viewers, its initial reception may eventually be viewed as a misunderstood chapter in the careers of Robbie and Chazelle. Margot Robbie’s enduring affection for the film and her confusion over the negative reactions it sparked highlight an often seen disconnect in the entertainment world between artistic intention and audience reception. Whether “Babylon” will achieve a rehabilitated reputation remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly continues to spark discussion and debate among critics and fans alike.