Margot Robbie Defends Babylon: Is Hollywood Unfair to Bold Films?

Margot Robbie has always been at the forefront of bold, daring projects, but her 2022 film Babylon remains one of the most divisive movies in recent Hollywood history. Despite its star-studded cast, ambitious storytelling, and Damien Chazelle’s visionary direction, the film was met with harsh criticism and a disappointing box office performance.

However, Robbie isn’t backing down. In a recent interview, she admitted that she doesn’t understand the hate the movie received, stating:

“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.

She went on to compare Babylon’s reception to films that were initially rejected by audiences but later became classics, such as The Shawshank Redemption.

This raises a crucial question: Was Babylon truly a failure, or is it a misunderstood masterpiece that will be appreciated years down the line?

Why Did Babylon Struggle at the Box Office?

Despite being a highly anticipated film, Babylon failed to connect with mainstream audiences, leaving many wondering why such a visually stunning and ambitious movie fell short.

1. The Three-Hour Runtime and Pacing Issues

One of the major complaints about Babylon was its excessive runtime—a staggering over three hours. While some films can justify their length with engaging narratives, Babylon’s pacing was seen as erratic, with some scenes feeling overly indulgent while others lacked momentum.

For casual moviegoers, three-hour films can be a tough sell, especially when streaming services offer more accessible content at home.

2. The Polarizing Tone

Babylon isn’t a film that plays it safe. It is chaotic, excessive, and unapologetically wild, depicting 1920s Hollywood as a world of hedonism, corruption, and cinematic revolution.

• Some critics praised its audacious energy and called it a love letter to cinema’s golden age.
• Others found it exhausting, disjointed, and overwhelming, struggling to connect emotionally with its characters.

The film’s lack of a clear moral center also divided audiences, leaving many unsure whether they were meant to celebrate or condemn the debauchery on screen.

3. The Marketing and Audience Disconnect

The way Babylon was marketed may have contributed to its downfall.

• Trailers emphasized the film’s extravagance, giving the impression of a glamorous Hollywood epic.
• However, what audiences got was a much darker, grittier portrayal of the industry’s excesses, which may have alienated viewers expecting something more traditional.

This disconnect between marketing and execution often leads to disappointment, no matter how strong the film’s artistic merits may be.

4. Timing and Competition

Released in December 2022, Babylon faced intense competition from other major films, including Avatar: The Way of Water and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

With audiences flocking to blockbusters during the holiday season, a three-hour, R-rated Hollywood satire was always going to be a harder sell.

Will Babylon Be Re-evaluated in the Future?

Margot Robbie’s comparison to The Shawshank Redemption is compelling.

• When Shawshank was first released, it underperformed at the box office, but over time, it became one of the most beloved films in history.
• Similar cases include Blade Runner, Fight Club, and Mulholland Drive—all films that were dismissed initially but later hailed as masterpieces.

Could Babylon follow the same path?

1. The Film’s Strengths Could Age Well

While Babylon struggled upon release, it has elements that could gain appreciation over time:

• A visually stunning cinematic experience that pays homage to classic Hollywood.
• Ambitious storytelling that doesn’t hold back.
• Strong performances, particularly from Margot Robbie and Diego Calva.
• An intense and chaotic energy that might resonate more in future retrospectives.

As the years go by, film historians and cinephiles may revisit Babylon with fresh eyes, seeing it as an uncompromising artistic statement rather than just an extravagant misfire.

2. Changing Audience Perspectives

Many films that initially divided audiences gain appreciation as society’s tastes and expectations evolve.

• Babylon’s raw depiction of Hollywood’s golden age might be viewed differently in a more open-minded era.
• Future generations could see its excesses as part of its brilliance, rather than a flaw.
• Streaming platforms could introduce the film to a wider audience, allowing viewers to engage with it on their own terms rather than as part of the initial hype cycle.

3. The Damien Chazelle Factor

Damien Chazelle, known for films like Whiplash and La La Land, is a director whose work often grows in reputation over time.

• If Chazelle continues to be a major filmmaker, his past projects—including Babylon—may be re-evaluated within the context of his entire body of work.
• The film’s technical achievements (cinematography, score, production design) might age better than the initial reception suggests.

Margot Robbie’s Perspective: A Sign of Hollywood’s Double Standard?

Robbie’s frustration over the film’s reception also raises a larger debate: Does Hollywood treat bold, unconventional films unfairly?

• Babylon was punished for taking risks, while safer, more commercial films thrived.
• Female-led and ambitious projects often face harsher scrutiny than male-driven blockbusters.
• Films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (which shares similar themes) were praised, while Babylon was branded as excessive and self-indulgent.

This double standard may be why Robbie remains unapologetically proud of the project, even if it didn’t receive the love she expected.

Final Thoughts: Was Babylon Ahead of Its Time?

Margot Robbie’s defense of Babylon highlights a bigger conversation about Hollywood’s relationship with risk-taking films.

• Did Babylon fail because it was too ambitious for mainstream audiences?
• Or was it misunderstood, destined to be appreciated years later?
• Should Hollywood embrace more daring storytelling, or is it doomed to favor safe, formulaic blockbusters?

Only time will tell whether Babylon will be remembered as a flawed spectacle or an underrated gem waiting to be rediscovered.