Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia in Martin Scorsese’s 2013 cinematic juggernaut, The Wolf of Wall Street, is etched in the annals of film history, not least for its unapologetic depiction of excess and indulgence. Alongside Leonardo DiCaprio’s mesmerizing performance as the morally bankrupt stockbroker Jordan Belfort, Robbie’s role as his wife became a lightning rod of discussion, catapulting her to global stardom. While the film itself navigated the turbulent waters of Belfort’s opulent yet corrupt world, it was Robbie’s fearless performance, including scenes of full-frontal nudity, that ignited conversations about her artistic choices and the film’s overall narrative.
The film, a rollercoaster ride through Belfort’s dizzying ascent and catastrophic downfall, showcases the lavish lifestyle and hedonistic pursuits that defined his world. Robbie’s Naomi, a stunning and assertive woman, is central to this world, embodying the allure and temptations that fueled Belfort’s self-destructive path. Her on-screen chemistry with DiCaprio was undeniable, adding layers of complexity to their tumultuous relationship and captivating audiences worldwide.
However, it was the scenes requiring full-frontal nudity that became a significant talking point. In a recent revelation on the Talking Pictures podcast, Robbie disclosed that director Martin Scorsese, known for his collaborative approach, initially offered her the option to modify a particular scene for comfort, suggesting she could wear a robe. Yet, Robbie, then on the cusp of major stardom at 34, stood firm in her artistic vision, arguing vehemently for the scene to remain as originally conceived – with her character fully naked.
Margot Robbie’s breakthrough performance as Naomi Lapaglia in “The Wolf of Wall Street” (Paramount Pictures)
Robbie explained her rationale with compelling clarity: “But I said, ‘That’s not what she would do in that scene. The whole point is that she’s going to come out completely naked — that’s the card she’s playing.'” This decisive stance underscores Robbie’s deep understanding of her character, recognizing that Naomi’s sexuality and body were integral tools in her world, a form of currency and power within the high-stakes environment depicted in the film. For Naomi, nudity was not gratuitous; it was a calculated move, a deliberate act of control and seduction.
The impact of these bold scenes extended beyond the screen. Robbie has openly shared anecdotes about the film’s reception within her own family. She recounted how one of her brothers was so taken aback by the explicit nature of her performance that he humorously admitted to needing a “three-month” adjustment period before he could fully reconcile her on-screen persona with his sisterly image. This personal anecdote highlights the cultural impact of Robbie’s choices and the sometimes-discomforting reality of confronting raw sexuality on film, even for those closest to the performer.
Despite initial hesitations about nudity early in her career, Robbie ultimately embraced the scene, guided by her manager’s advice that if nudity was ever necessary, working with a director of Scorsese’s caliber was the ideal scenario. This trust in Scorsese’s artistic integrity and the film’s narrative purpose empowered Robbie to commit fully to the role, understanding that the nudity served a crucial function in portraying Naomi’s character authentically.
Margot Robbie’s acclaimed performance alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street” (Paramount Pictures)
In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, Robbie articulated her broader philosophy on nudity in film, stating, “I think nudity for the sake of nudity is shameful. If they’ve put it in just so that a girl gets her top off, then that’s disgusting. And you can always tell.” She drew a sharp distinction between exploitative nudity and nudity that is integral to character development and narrative truth. For Robbie, authenticity reigns supreme. She further elaborated, “But I also think it’s disgusting when someone would have got naked in real life, in the film they conveniently leave their bra on, or hold up the bed sheet. Seeing someone being choreographed into being covered up irritates me just as much.”
Robbie’s insistence on full-frontal nudity in The Wolf of Wall Street was therefore not a decision taken lightly, but a carefully considered choice driven by her commitment to portraying Naomi Lapaglia with unflinching honesty and depth. She recognized that to dilute Naomi’s character through modesty or evasion would be a disservice to the story and a betrayal of the character’s essence. Her brave decision ultimately contributed to a performance that was both critically acclaimed and culturally impactful, solidifying her status as a fearless and dedicated actress willing to push boundaries for the sake of art.
