Margot Robbie encountered a perilous crossroads in her Hollywood odyssey due to her daring full-frontal performances, particularly in the filming of the cinematic masterpiece, The Wolf of Wall Street.
Renowned as the Oscar-nominated luminary behind I, Tonya and Bombshell, in addition to her indelible portrayal of Harley Quinn in DC Studios' films, Margot Robbie's ascent to these laudable heights was not always preordained. Following her remarkable role in The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013 (accessible gratis via Amazon Prime Video, as linked below), her professional trajectory faced the precipice of stagnation, as producers deemed her image to be veering more toward that of a "s*x symbol" than a bona fide thespian due to her explicit scenes. Yet, providentially, a staunch advocate was in her corner.
In the film, Robbie embodied the character Naomi Lapaglia, a pivotal role in the narrative recounting the life of Jordan Belfort, a Wall Street magnate whose endeavors transpired within the stock exchange's bustling realm. Her character deftly harnessed her sensuality to manipulate Jordan, ultimately culminating in her ascension as his betrothed.
The motion picture laid bare Robbie's vulnerability in multiple instances, a portrayal marked by her poised presence in a doorway, enveloped solely in stockings, and her languorous recline upon a mound of currency, her form unadorned. Notably, these scenes were bereft of stand-ins, as Robbie unflinchingly unveiled her entirety. Although the film propelled her into the echelons of stardom, it was not the panacea for her professional trajectory.
Mere years later, in 2018, Robbie's audition for the historical drama Mary Queen of Scots, opposite Saoirse Ronan, was a near-miss. Here, she portrayed Elizabeth I, a stern and trenchant sovereign whose visage was imbued with an almost macabre allure through meticulous hairstyling and cosmetic selections.
Regrettably, Robbie's prospect of securing this role was imperiled by her prior portrayal in The Wolf of Wall Street. Mary Queen of Scots' director, Josie Rourke, conceded that Robbie did not initially occupy the position of her top choice for the potent character.
Moreover, the film's creative team struggled to envision Robbie as Elizabeth I, envisioning her more as a character-driven performer than the formidable historical figure that was Elizabeth I.
During a discourse held at the Power of Film symposium, Rourke candidly expressed the reservations of the crew: "In their cognitive tapestry, she had likely been woven more as a symbol of erotic allure than as the embodiment of Elizabeth I."
Yet, in due course, Rourke mustered a vociferous defense of Robbie's candidacy, proclaiming: "Yet, I contended for her selection."
Consequently, the Australian luminary was cast for the pivotal role, delivering an awe-inspiring performance. Her prowess even secured her a coveted BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress the ensuing year.
Robbie, however, recognized the necessity of forging a distinct cinematic identity.
In conversation with Harper's Bazaar, she articulated her aspiration to portray a novel archetype in her forthcoming projects: "I harbored no inclination to partake in scripts where my character was relegated to that of a wife or girlfriend—an ancillary pawn to the male narrative. Such pursuits proved bereft of inspiration."
Subsequent to clinching the role, Robbie exhibited an unwavering commitment. Her rendition exuded an air of foreboding that undeniably echoed her haunting countenance. Consequently, she found herself in a state of estrangement from the ensemble.
Reflecting on the experience, Robbie confided: "A sense of alienation pervaded. Loneliness encapsulated me. The scenario amounted to an intriguing sociological experiment." She recounted that her co-stars appeared reticent to engage her between takes, recounting her efforts: "I would initiate casual inquiries about their weekends." However, these overtures were met with a perceptible reluctance to draw near.
Despite the near-dismissal that Robbie endured on account of her prior risqué roles, she has since staunchly defended the tenor of her portrayal within the realm of adult cinema.
