Margot Robbie, the acclaimed actress, has recently revisited her role as Naomi Lapaglia in the iconic film The Wolf of Wall Street, clarifying her decision to perform a full-frontal nude scene. Contrary to any assumptions of discomfort, Robbie asserted that the nudity was not only her choice but also crucial for portraying the character authentically.
Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street, defending her full frontal nudity scene as essential for her character Naomi Lapaglia.
In a candid conversation on the “Talking Pictures” podcast, Robbie, now 34, reflected on filming the Martin Scorsese-directed masterpiece when she was around 21. She recounted a moment with Scorsese who considerately offered her the option of wearing a robe during the scene. However, Robbie firmly declined, explaining her conviction that Naomi, a character defined by her assertiveness and allure, would not opt for modesty in such a pivotal moment. “That is not what she would do in that scene. She would not put a robe on,” Robbie stated emphatically, underlining her understanding of Naomi’s character and motivations within the narrative. She believed that Naomi’s power play in that scene was intrinsically linked to her complete exposure, making it a deliberate and character-driven choice rather than gratuitous nudity.
Looking back, Robbie admitted that her initial focus was on embodying the role truthfully, with less consideration for the public’s reception of the scene. As the film’s release approached, the realization of the scene’s wide exposure dawned on her, shifting her concerns towards personal perceptions, particularly within her family. “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, highlighting the typical actor’s journey from artistic creation to public scrutiny.
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Beyond the nudity, Robbie also shared anecdotes about her audition process for Wolf of Wall Street, revealing her bold approach that impressed both Scorsese and her co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, who played Jordan Belfort. During her audition, Robbie improvised a slap to DiCaprio’s face, a move that was initially nerve-wracking but ultimately lauded by the director and actor. “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 humorously recalled. The unexpected action led to a moment of stunned silence followed by resounding laughter and approval from Scorsese and DiCaprio, securing her role and setting the tone for her dynamic performance in the film.
Margot Robbie on the set of The Wolf of Wall Street, showcasing her dedication and improvisation skills that defined her role.
The Wolf of Wall Street, released in 2013, became a cinematic milestone, partly due to the compelling performances of Robbie and DiCaprio and Scorsese’s direction. Based on the memoir of former stockbroker Jordan Belfort, the film portrays the extravagant and morally ambiguous world of Wall Street in the late 20th century. Robbie’s character, Naomi Lapaglia, is depicted as Jordan Belfort’s captivating wife, deeply embedded in his world of wealth and excess. Robbie reflected on the intensity of working alongside DiCaprio, noting his immersive acting style that pushed her to elevate her own performance. “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, acknowledging the demanding yet stimulating environment on set.
In conclusion, Margot Robbie’s reflections on The Wolf of Wall Street provide valuable insights into her artistic process and commitment to her roles. Her insistence on the full-frontal nudity scene was not a matter of personal exhibitionism but a calculated decision to enhance the authenticity and impact of her character, Naomi Lapaglia. This bold choice, coupled with her fearless audition improvisation, underscores Robbie’s dedication to her craft and her willingness to challenge norms in pursuit of genuine and powerful performances. Her role in The Wolf of Wall Street remains a significant highlight in her career, marking her as a versatile and courageous actress unafraid to tackle complex and demanding roles.
