Damien Chazelle and Margot Robbie: A Match Made in Box-Office Hell?
When critically acclaimed director Damien Chazelle teamed up with Hollywood superstar Margot Robbie for Babylon, the film was poised to be an Oscar contender and a box-office hit. Instead, it became one of 2022’s biggest flops, leaving audiences and critics divided. With a budget of $78 million and a worldwide gross of only $63 million, the failure sparked questions: How did this seemingly perfect collaboration go so wrong?
The Vision Behind Babylon
Chazelle, known for hits like La La Land and Whiplash, set out to create a bold, chaotic love letter to Hollywood’s silent film era. Babylon explored the hedonism, excess, and struggles of transitioning from silent movies to talkies. Margot Robbie, cast as Nellie LaRoy, delivered a fiery portrayal of an ambitious and self-destructive actress, alongside Brad Pitt as a fading star. The film combined lavish visuals with an unflinching critique of fame.
Despite its ambitious scope, Babylon faced numerous hurdles, from its niche subject matter to its divisive execution.
Why Did Babylon Fail?
Polarizing Reception
Critics were split over Babylon’s bombastic storytelling and indulgent three-hour runtime. While some praised its audacity, others found the narrative exhausting and excessive. For general audiences, its chaotic structure and darker themes made it less accessible than Chazelle’s previous works.
Marketing Missteps
The film’s promotional campaign struggled to communicate its core themes. Trailers focused on wild party scenes and chaos without explaining the emotional journey or historical backdrop, confusing potential viewers. The marketing also failed to position Babylon as a must-watch during a competitive holiday release window.
Competition and Timing
Babylon premiered alongside massive blockbusters like Avatar: The Way of Water, which dominated screens and audience attention. For a mature, niche film to succeed during such a period, it needed stronger word-of-mouth, which it lacked due to its lukewarm reception.
Margot Robbie’s Performance: A Bright Spot in the Chaos
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Robbie’s portrayal of Nellie LaRoy stood out as a high point. Critics praised her for fully embodying the reckless spirit of her character. Robbie herself described the role as one of her most challenging, requiring her to delve deep into the highs and lows of stardom.
However, even her talent wasn’t enough to save Babylon. Some argued the script didn’t give her or Brad Pitt’s characters enough depth, leaving their performances overshadowed by the film’s frenetic pacing and visual excess.
Is This Failure a Reflection of Modern Hollywood?
Many believe Babylon’s failure speaks to a broader issue in today’s Hollywood: the disconnect between filmmakers’ artistic ambitions and audience preferences. While cinephiles admired Chazelle’s risky approach, mainstream viewers gravitated toward escapist blockbusters like Avatar 2.
Could Babylon Find Redemption?
Historically, films like Blade Runner and The Shawshank Redemption overcame initial failure to achieve cult status. Robbie and Chazelle remain optimistic that Babylon might eventually be reevaluated for its bold storytelling and visual brilliance. Streaming platforms could help introduce the film to new audiences, allowing it to find appreciation beyond the box office.
Babylon was an ambitious swing by two of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Damien Chazelle and Margot Robbie. While its box-office failure was disappointing, it serves as a reminder of the risks involved in creating bold, unconventional cinema. Time will tell if Babylon gains the recognition its creators hoped for or remains a cautionary tale about ambition in Hollywood.
