Julia Roberts hits back at criticism after new film sparks backlash

"Not to be disagreeable, because it's not in my nature," Roberts answered, "but the thing you said that I love is it 'revives old arguments.' I don't think it's just reviving an argument of women being pitted against each other or not supporting each other. There are a lot of old arguments that get rejuvenated that creates conversation.

"The best part of your question is that you all came out of the theater talking about it. That's how we wanted it to feel. You realize what you believe in strongly because we stir it all up for you. So, you're welcome."

The outlet reported that, after giving this answer, Roberts was asked about the topic again, promting her to complain that people seem to be "losing the art of conversation in humanity right now."

"I love the softball questions early in the morning," she joked.

At one point, director Luca Guadagnino jumped in, saying, "It's how we see the clash of truths. It's not about making a manifesto to revive old-fashioned values."

Judging by Roberts' commentary, a key goal for the film, which is scheduled for a North American theatrical release Oct. 10, is sparking difficult conversations. The tagline on the poster even says "not everything is supposed to make you feel comfortable."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.