If you thought Margot Robbie‘s nude scene in “The Wolf of Wall Street” was a male director’s invention, think again. The star recently guest appeared on the podcast Talking Pictures (via Variety), where she revealed that the unforgettable moment was actually her own idea.
In the scene, Robbie’s character Naomi has just hit it off with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jordan belfort, and appears in the doorway completely naked – much to the delight of the sleazy stockbroker. belfort falls head over heels and later leaves his wife for the cheeky blonde.
Despite director martin Scorsese suggesting that Robbie could wear a bathrobe, the then 22-year-old Australian went all in – following her instincts instead.
“That’s not what she would have done in that scene,” Robbie said about being clothed.
“The whole point is that she comes out completely naked – that’s the card she plays,” she added.
Also read: Margot Robbie on “Babylon”: – I don’t understand why people hated it
And Robbie’s creative input might just have secured her the role. Later in the podcast, the 34-year-old reminisced about her last audition, which involved a kiss.
“I thought,I can kiss Leonardo dicaprio right now,and that would be amazing. I can’t wait to tell all my friends about this. And then I thought… nah. And then I went for it in his face,” she recalled.
“It was dead silent for what felt like an eternity, but was probably three seconds, and then they broke out laughing,” Robbie said.
“Leo and Marty laughed their heads off and said ‘That was awesome.’ I thought, I’m going to get arrested, I’m pretty sure that was assault.”
“Not only are you never going to work again,you’re actually going to end up in prison for this,you idiot,” she continued.
“And why did you have to hit him so hard? You should have done it a little more gently.”
Well, the impulse worked, and soon the actress realized that improvisation was the way to impress the “Taxi Driver” director.
“The crazier you were, the more Marty loved it. And the more screen time you got,” Robbie said during a scene appearance back in 2022 (via Variety).
“The Wolf of Wall Street” became a massive success in 2013, grossing over $406 million at the box office and receiving five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor. The film is based on Jordan Belfort’s autobiography and follows the former stockbroker’s wild life and career - built on greed, fraud, and partying. The role of Naomi became robbie’s big breakthrough,and since then she has risen to become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars.
What impact does Margot Robbie’s revelation about her nude scene have on the conversation around female representation in film?
Time.News Interview: Margot Robbie’s Bold Vision in Film
Editor (Tina Smith): Welcome to Time.News! Today, we have an exciting topic to discuss—Margot Robbie’s recent revelation about her iconic nude scene in “The Wolf of wall Street.” Joining us is Dr. laura Grant, a film studies expert and professor at the University of Southern California. Thanks for being here,Dr. Grant!
Dr. Laura Grant: Thank you for having me, Tina! I’m excited to delve into this discussion.
Tina: Margot Robbie recently shared on the podcast Talking Pictures that the memorable nude scene was actually her own idea, not the director’s. What are your thoughts on this revelation?
Dr. Grant: It’s fascinating, isn’t it? This revelation flips the typical narrative we often hear about female representation in film. It highlights the importance of actresses having creative input and owning their characters’ narratives. Margot’s decision to suggest such a bold scene speaks to her understanding of the character Naomi and the world of high finance she inhabits.
Tina: Absolutely. It challenges the stereotype that female characters are frequently enough victim to male directors’ visions. How meaningful do you think this moment is for discussions about agency and autonomy in film?
Dr. Grant: It’s incredibly significant. Robbie’s initiative can inspire a shift where female artists are seen not just as participants but as key storytellers. When actresses take charge of their portrayal, it can lead to richer, more nuanced characters. Moreover, this instance opens the door for conversations around consent and how women choose to express their sexuality on screen.
Tina: Margot mentioned that,in her view,the scene was integral to the story.Why do you think it is so crucial for audiences to recognise the role of female filmmakers and actresses in shaping these moments?
Dr. Grant: Recognizing the contributions of women in film is vital because it empowers future generations to believe they can also have an impact. When audiences see a female artist make a bold choice, it encourages them to critically engage with the content and consider the diverse perspectives behind the scenes. It’s not just about who is directing, but also about who is in front of the camera and shaping the narrative.
Tina: In what ways do you think this kind of openness from actresses about their creative choices can influence the industry as a whole?
Dr. Grant: Openness can catalyze change. The more actresses like Margot articulate their visions and assert their ideas, the more they can set precedence for collaborative relationships in filmmaking. This can pave the way for more women to enter writing and directing roles, creating a ripple effect that transforms industry standards.
Tina: You raise an excellent point.Given the historical context of female representation in Hollywood, how can this moment serve as a touchstone for future projects that prioritize women’s voices?
Dr. Grant: It can serve as both a benchmark and a call to action. We need to push for more inclusivity not only in casting but in the creative decision-making process. This moment proves that when women collaborate on projects, the stories they tell can resonate deeply and authentically. It’s a reminder that women’s experiences should be front and center,not sidelined.
Tina: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Grant. It’s clear that Margot Robbie’s revelation is not just a personal victory, but a larger commentary on the evolution of women’s roles in film.
dr. Grant: Thank you, Tina! It’s an exciting time for cinema, and I look forward to seeing how this discussion unfolds in the coming years.
Tina: And that’s a wrap for today’s interview! Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on Time.News.
