Margot Robbie, the acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances, recently shared insights into her iconic role as Naomi Lapaglia in Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. In a revealing conversation on the “Talking Pictures” podcast, Robbie recounted a pivotal moment regarding the full-frontal nudity scene that has become synonymous with her character and the film’s audacious narrative. Contrary to assumptions, Robbie disclosed that the nudity was not merely a directorial decision but rather her own assertive proposition, underscoring her deep understanding of the character and her commitment to authenticity.
Recalling the scene’s setup, Robbie explained director Martin Scorsese’s initial, considerate approach. “[Director Martin Scorsese] said, ‘Maybe you can be wearing a robe if you’re not comfortable.’ And I was like, ‘That is not what she would do in that scene. She would not put a robe on,’” Robbie stated on the podcast. This decisive stance highlights Robbie’s early grasp of Naomi’s character – a woman who wields her sensuality with confidence and intention. For Robbie, a robe would have been a jarring mischaracterization, undermining the scene’s intended impact. “The whole point is that she’s going to come out completely naked. That’s the card she’s playing right now,” she elaborated, emphasizing the strategic nature of Naomi’s actions within the film’s context of power and manipulation.
At the time of filming in 2013, Robbie was in her early twenties, a point in her career where such bold decisions could be perceived as risky. She admitted that her initial focus was purely on embodying the character truthfully. “I think my bigger concerns weren’t even, ‘How did I come across as an actor?’ [But moreso] of, like, ‘Oh gosh, everyone is going to see this,’ and I hadn’t really appreciated that until that point,” Robbie confessed. This reflection reveals a relatable vulnerability beneath her assertive professional demeanor. While artistically driven to perform the scene authentically, the then-young actress also grappled with the personal implications of such exposure on a global scale.
Beyond the nudity scene, Robbie’s audition for ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ is another anecdote that showcases her fearless approach. She recounted a moment of improvisation with Leonardo DiCaprio, who played the lead role of Jordan Belfort. During the audition, Robbie deviated from the script in a way that was both audacious and ultimately successful. “In my head I was like, ‘I could totally kiss Leonardo DiCaprio right now, that would be awesome. I can’t wait to tell all of my friends this.’ And then I was like, ‘Nah.’ And walloped him in the face,” she revealed. This unexpected slap, initially born from a spontaneous impulse, led to a moment of stunned silence followed by resounding approval from both Scorsese and DiCaprio. “It was dead silence for about, what felt like an eternity, but was probably three seconds. Then they just burst out laughing. Leo and Marty were laughing so hard, they were like, ‘That was great. Do it again.’”
Robbie also shared her insights on working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, highlighting the intense and dynamic environment he fosters on set. “When you’re acting across from Leo, it is so clear that he could do your part, his part, everyone’s part. It’s kind of like, ‘Keep up with me or I’ll just go and I’ll go and go and go,’” she observed. This description paints a picture of DiCaprio as a force of nature, constantly pushing his fellow actors to rise to his level. For Robbie, this was an invaluable learning experience, pushing her to be fully present and engaged in every scene. “I was like, ‘I gotta get in there or I’m not in this at all.’ And then when you’re on the set, everyone’s got that mentality. Everyone’s one upping each other with the craziness.”
Margot Robbie’s revelations provide a fresh perspective on her breakout role in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. Her proactive decision regarding the nudity and her bold improvisation during the audition underscore her commitment to authentic character portrayal and her fearless approach to acting. These behind-the-scenes glimpses not only enrich our understanding of her performance but also highlight the collaborative and dynamic spirit that defined the making of this cinematic tour-de-force. ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ remains a significant milestone in Robbie’s career, solidifying her status as a versatile and daring actress unafraid to make bold choices.
