Babylon—a film that promised to capture the glitz, chaos, and transformation of 1920s Hollywood—became one of the most divisive cinematic experiences in recent memory. While the movie bombed at the box office, one of its stars, Margot Robbie, remains deeply proud of the project. Her role as Nellie LaRoy was fiery, ambitious, and unforgettable, much like the actress. Yet, she remains baffled by the audience’s cold reception. So, what happened with Babylon, and why does Margot Robbie still stand by it so passionately?
Portraying Nellie LaRoy: Robbie’s Fiery Transformation
Margot Robbie’s character in Babylon, Nellie LaRoy, was the quintessential Hollywood “It” girl—a fearless, bold personality who symbolized the highs and lows of early cinema. Inspired by real-life star Clara Bow, Nellie’s story is one of relentless ambition, indulgence, and ultimate downfall. Robbie dived headfirst into the role, embracing the chaotic and unapologetic energy that defined Nellie.
Robbie described Nellie as “wild and unpredictable,” a character who refused to conform to societal expectations. She portrayed her as someone whose life mirrored the volatility of Hollywood itself, where success and failure were separated by a razor-thin line.
Robbie’s Preparation: Crafting Nellie’s Voice and Persona
To bring Nellie to life, Margot Robbie went above and beyond in preparation. Collaborating closely with director Damien Chazelle, she developed over 50 versions of Nellie’s accent, exploring every nuance of how her character might sound. From a Boston drawl to a Snooki-Joe Pesci hybrid, Robbie left no stone unturned in creating a voice that matched Nellie’s larger-than-life personality.
Her dedication didn’t stop at accents. Robbie immersed herself in the era, studying silent film stars to capture the essence of a woman who thrived during Hollywood’s silent age. According to Robbie, this preparation felt like performing a one-woman show every day.
Working with Damien Chazelle: A Creative Challenge
Robbie often speaks highly of Damien Chazelle, the mastermind behind Babylon. Known for his ambitious storytelling in films like La La Land and Whiplash, Chazelle pushed his cast to their creative limits. Robbie described the director as “relentless in his pursuit of perfection,” always demanding more from the actors.
One of Robbie’s most memorable experiences on set was the sheer intensity of the scenes. Whether it was a chaotic party sequence or a deeply emotional moment, Chazelle ensured every detail was meticulously crafted. For Robbie, this relentless drive made the experience both challenging and rewarding.
Why Did Babylon Struggle at the Box Office?
Despite its high-profile cast and visionary director, Babylon faced a brutal box-office reality. Made on a hefty budget of $80 million, the film earned only $15 million domestically and $63 million worldwide. But why?
Audience Disconnect
One major issue was the film’s overwhelming style. While some critics praised its “exuberant messiness,” many viewers found the storytelling chaotic and difficult to follow. The sprawling narrative, intense visuals, and unconventional pacing alienated casual moviegoers.
Critics’ Divided Opinions
Critics couldn’t agree on the film’s merits either. While some hailed it as a bold and artistic exploration of Hollywood’s Golden Age, others dismissed it as indulgent and unfocused. This split left Babylon in a precarious position, unable to gain the momentum needed for widespread success.
Robbie’s Reaction to the Backlash
Margot Robbie has been vocal about her confusion over the negative reception. “I love it. I don’t get it either,” she said during a recent interview, expressing genuine surprise that Babylon didn’t resonate with audiences. Robbie compared the film’s reception to The Shawshank Redemption, a now-beloved classic that flopped upon release.
For Robbie, Babylon was an audacious project worth celebrating. She believes that, like many misunderstood films, it might find a more appreciative audience in the future. “I wonder if in 20 years people will be shocked it bombed,” she mused.
Artistic Brilliance or Overindulgence?
Cinematography and Visuals
One area where Babylon excelled was its visual storytelling. The film’s cinematography captured the wild, unrestrained energy of 1920s Hollywood, bringing the era to life in vivid detail.
Music and Sound
The score, composed by Justin Hurwitz, was another standout element. Its jazzy, high-energy rhythms mirrored the chaos and excitement of the story, adding depth to the film’s narrative.
Margot Robbie’s Standout Performance
Amidst the film’s polarizing reception, Robbie’s portrayal of Nellie LaRoy received universal praise. Her performance was raw, fearless, and unapologetic, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses.
READ MORE ON ENETERVYN: The Future of Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn: Is She Ready to Pass the Baton?
Margot Robbie Pregnant: Relishing a Serene Swim in Italy’s Coastal Paradise
Uglies on Netflix: A Stale Attempt at Reviving the YA Dystopian Genre
Babylon’s Legacy: A Cult Classic in the Making?
Could Babylon follow the path of other misunderstood films and gain cult status in the future? Margot Robbie thinks so. With time, she hopes audiences will revisit the movie with fresh eyes, appreciating its boldness and artistic ambition.
For now, Robbie remains proud of her work on Babylon. Despite its commercial failure, the film holds a special place in her heart—a reminder that sometimes, the most daring projects are the ones that leave a lasting impact.
Conclusion
Babylon may not have been the box-office hit Margot Robbie hoped for, but its ambition and artistry are undeniable. Robbie’s portrayal of Nellie LaRoy, combined with Damien Chazelle’s fearless direction, created a film that dared to be different. While it struggled to connect with audiences, its legacy is still being written. For Robbie, Babylon is more than a movie—it’s a testament to creative risk-taking in a world that often plays it safe.
FAQs
- What inspired Margot Robbie’s performance as Nellie LaRoy?
Nellie was inspired by real-life silent film star Clara Bow, combined with Robbie’s creative exploration of fiery, ambitious personalities. - Why does Margot Robbie think Babylon was misunderstood?
Robbie believes the film’s bold storytelling and chaotic energy might have alienated audiences, but she hopes it will be reevaluated over time. - What was the most challenging part of filming Babylon for Robbie?
The intense preparation, including developing 51 accent variations and performing emotionally charged scenes, made the role uniquely challenging. - How did critics respond to Babylon?
Critics were divided—some praised its artistic ambition, while others found it overly indulgent and messy. - Could Babylon achieve cult status in the future?
Robbie and others believe it’s possible, as many films once dismissed as flops have later gained recognition as masterpieces.
