Margot Robbie, the Australian actress-producer known for her Oscar nominations, emphasizes that her filmmaking approach centers on moviegoers rather than critics. Speaking about her new film Wuthering Heights, which she both stars in and produces, Robbie explained that the experiences and emotional reactions of the audience guide her choices on set.
In a discussion with co-star Jacob Elordi and moderator Joel Edgerton for Vogue Australia, Robbie highlighted how she never fixates on what critics might think. Instead, she focuses on how viewers will feel during the film, saying,
“I’ve never, ever been on set and thought, ‘What are the critics going to think of this?’ I’m like, ‘What’s an audience going to feel right now? What’s their emotional response going to be?’”
Margot Robbie, Actress-Producer
She further articulated her simple creative mantra:
“I just believe you should make movies for the people who are going to buy tickets to see the movies,”
making clear that audience engagement drives her decisions. Margot Robbie, Actress-Producer
Shared Vision with Director Emerald Fennell
Robbie also praised Emerald Fennell, the writer-director of Wuthering Heights, for adopting a similar perspective. According to Robbie, Fennell values emotional resonance over intellectual concepts, opting to preserve elements that will captivate audiences rather than prioritize intricate ideas alone.
Robbie expressed admiration for Fennell’s creative style:
“I love working with Emerald, too, because she always prioritizes an emotional experience over a heady idea. She’s very smart and she’s got great ideas and all this kind of stuff, but she will let a cool idea fall by the wayside to offer the option that is going to be most exciting for an audience. And I really appreciate that about her.”
Margot Robbie, Actress-Producer
Previewing the Film with Friends Before Release
Before Wuthering Heights was released on Valentine’s Day, Robbie arranged an early screening of the film for her close friends. They celebrated by hosting a fake bachelorette party for her character, Catherine Earnshaw, where her friends enthusiastically reacted to co-star Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of Heathcliff.
Robbie shared memories of the informal event during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, describing the theme as
“Victorian slutty.”
Margot Robbie, Actress-Producer
She recalled how watching the film among friends turned into an intense and lively experience:
“It ended up being the craziest night ever, but the screening itself … 20 women were like frothing at the mouth,”
she said.
“They were like rabid dogs, and they were a couple of drinks in already, and then the movie started and they were screaming so much.”
Margot Robbie, Actress-Producer
The excitement escalated as viewers dressed in lace, corsets, and veils, reacting loudly, especially when Jacob Elordi appeared on screen. Robbie joked about the extreme fan reaction:
“Honestly, I was like, if he walked in right now, I think they would eat him. So it was safer that he wasn’t there.”
Margot Robbie, Actress-Producer
What This Approach Means for the Film’s Reception
Wuthering Heights, a modern take on Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, presents a divisive but emotionally charged vision under Fennell’s direction. Robbie’s commitment to serving the audience’s emotional experience over industry expectations or critical opinion may influence how the film resonates with viewers in theaters.
By involving her friends in early viewings and prioritizing emotional impact, Robbie underlines how the audience connection remains central to her creative choices. This philosophy could shape the film’s reception as it reaches wider audiences in theaters.
