Margot Robbie has opened up about her decision to perform a full-frontal nude scene in the 2013 blockbuster The Wolf of Wall Street, explaining why it was vital for her character.
The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, stars Robbie as Naomi Lapaglia, the glamorous and calculating wife of Jordan Belfort, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. Chronicling Belfort’s meteoric rise and fall as a stockbroker, the film is infamous for its over-the-top debauchery and scandalous moments. Robbie’s performance not only captivated audiences but also cemented her status as a global star, earning critical acclaim and contributing to the film’s $406.9 million worldwide gross.
The Scene and Its Importance
In a conversation on the Talking Pictures podcast, Robbie, now 34, revealed that Scorsese initially offered to modify the infamous seduction scene to ensure her comfort. He suggested she could wear a robe instead of being fully nude.
“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,’” Robbie explained.
Robbie emphasized that Naomi’s character used her body as a form of power and manipulation, making the nudity a crucial aspect of the scene.
Family Reactions and Initial Hesitation
Despite her conviction about the scene, Robbie admitted to being nervous about the fallout, especially with her family. Watching the film with her relatives turned out to be an uncomfortable experience.
“One of my brothers didn’t speak to me for three months afterward,” Robbie said. “Not because he was mad, he just said, ‘I need time before I can consider you my sister again!’”
Robbie also shared that while she was initially hesitant, her manager reassured her that working with Scorsese was a rare opportunity: “If there’s ever going to be a time for nudity, this is the director you do it with.”
Thoughts on Nudity in Film
Robbie has consistently defended her decision, distinguishing between gratuitous nudity and scenes that serve the narrative. In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, she stated:
“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. But I also think it’s ridiculous when, in a situation where someone would have been naked in real life, they conveniently keep a bra on or hold up a bed sheet. That irritates me just as much.”
She went on to explain how Naomi’s character was written as someone who leveraged her appearance to assert control and influence:
“The whole point of Naomi is that her body is her only form of currency in this world. So when Marty [Scorsese] was trying to help me out and suggested I wear a robe, I said, ‘She wouldn’t. She has to be naked.’”
A Defining Role
Robbie’s commitment to authenticity paid off, with critics and audiences alike praising her performance. Her chemistry with DiCaprio and her portrayal of Naomi’s bold, unapologetic nature left a lasting impression, propelling her into Hollywood stardom.
Robbie’s candid reflections on the experience underscore her dedication to her craft, even in moments of vulnerability. Her approach to nudity in film continues to be a thoughtful balance between artistic necessity and respect for the story being told.
