Margot Robbie, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in blockbuster hits, has recently shed light on a pivotal decision she made during the filming of The Wolf of Wall Street. In a revealing interview on the “Talking Pictures” podcast, Robbie disclosed that the full-frontal nudity scene, iconic in its portrayal of her character Naomi Lapaglia, was actually her own suggestion. This revelation offers a fresh perspective on Robbie’s dedication to her craft and her proactive approach to character embodiment in Wolf of Wall Street.
Robbie’s Reasoning Behind the Nudity
According to Margot Robbie, director Martin Scorsese initially offered her the option to wear a robe during the scene. However, Robbie, then around 21 years old during the 2013 film’s production, firmly believed that such an action would betray the essence of her character, Naomi. “[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 explained on the podcast. She emphasized that Naomi’s power play in that moment was precisely her complete nakedness, using it as a deliberate tactic, a “card she’s playing,” to assert dominance and control in the situation within The Wolf of Wall Street.
Initial Concerns and Realizations
Despite her conviction regarding the scene’s artistic integrity and character accuracy, Margot Robbie confessed that the magnitude of her decision only truly dawned on her later. While filming Wolf of Wall Street, her primary focus was on embodying Naomi and delivering an authentic performance. It was only after the filming that she began to contemplate the broader implications, particularly concerning how her family would react to the full-frontal nude scene. “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 admitted, highlighting the common yet often unspoken anxieties actors face when their work enters the public domain.
The Audition Story: Improvisation and Impact
Beyond the nudity scene, Margot Robbie also recounted an anecdote from her audition for Wolf of Wall Street that further illustrates her bold approach. During her audition with Leonardo DiCaprio, who played Jordan Belfort, Robbie improvised a slap to DiCaprio’s face. Instead of simply kissing him as her initial thought suggested, she opted for a more audacious move. “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 shared. This spontaneous action led to a moment of stunned silence followed by roaring laughter from both Scorsese and DiCaprio, ultimately solidifying her role in The Wolf of Wall Street.
Working with Leonardo DiCaprio
Reflecting on her experience working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Wolf of Wall Street, Margot Robbie praised his exceptional talent and the intense dynamic he brought to the set. She described DiCaprio as an actor who is so immersed in his craft that he could effortlessly perform any role. “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,’” Robbie explained. This demanding yet inspiring environment pushed Robbie to elevate her own performance, contributing to the overall electrifying energy of The Wolf of Wall Street.
In conclusion, Margot Robbie’s insights into her role in Wolf of Wall Street reveal a dedicated and insightful actress who actively contributes to shaping her characters. Her decision regarding the nudity scene and her improvisational audition slap showcase a performer willing to take bold steps to authentically portray her roles, leaving a lasting impact on cinematic narratives like The Wolf of Wall Street.
