Margot Robbie’s role as Naomi Lapaglia in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street is a defining moment in her career, propelling her into the global spotlight. The film, based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort, not only captivated audiences with its over-the-top story of greed, excess, and corruption but also showcased Robbie’s extraordinary talent and ability to steal every scene she was in. This performance marked the beginning of a series of successful roles for Robbie and helped solidify her as one of Hollywood’s most promising actresses.
In this post, we will dive deep into Robbie’s transformation for the role, her impact on the film, and how The Wolf of Wall Street played a significant role in shaping her career.
The Role of Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street: A Star is Born
Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia in The Wolf of Wall Street was a breakthrough moment that firmly established her as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Naomi, the glamorous and ambitious wife of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), is a pivotal character who represents the allure and decadence of Wall Street’s high life.
While Naomi is a supporting character in the larger narrative of Belfort’s rise and fall, Robbie’s performance makes her unforgettable. Her portrayal of Naomi is one of elegance, sophistication, and resilience—traits that define her character’s journey throughout the film. From her entrance in the film, it’s clear that Robbie is more than just a pretty face. She brings depth to the role, showing Naomi’s vulnerability, ambition, and even her darker side as she becomes entangled in her husband’s unethical world of corruption and excess.
Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street Transformation for the Role
To play Naomi Lapaglia, Margot Robbie had to undergo a significant transformation, both physically and emotionally. The character is known for her beauty, high fashion, and extravagant lifestyle, which meant Robbie had to embody the kind of woman who could captivate a wealthy, powerful man like Jordan Belfort. However, what truly sets Robbie apart in this role is her ability to bring humanity to a character that could easily have been relegated to a mere “arm candy” role.
One of the standout scenes in the film involves Robbie’s character arguing with Belfort, her fiery temper and quick wit on full display. The scene is intense, and Robbie’s delivery is sharp, showcasing her range as an actress. While Naomi could easily have been reduced to a two-dimensional character, Robbie injects her with both vulnerability and strength. In many ways, Robbie’s performance serves as a counterpoint to the chaos and immorality of the men around her, making Naomi one of the most complex female characters in the film.
The Impact of The Wolf of Wall Street on Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street Career
Before her role in The Wolf of Wall Street, Margot Robbie was largely unknown to mainstream audiences. While she had appeared in a few television shows and smaller films, it was her role as Naomi Lapaglia that truly catapulted her into the spotlight. Her stunning performance garnered widespread acclaim, with critics praising her ability to hold her own against seasoned actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill.
The film’s massive commercial success also played a major role in Robbie’s career trajectory. As The Wolf of Wall Street grossed nearly $400 million worldwide, Robbie’s profile skyrocketed, and she soon became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. Following this breakthrough performance, Robbie landed roles in major films like Suicide Squad, I, Tonya, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Bombshell, among others, cementing her status as a leading lady.
What’s most impressive is how Robbie has diversified her career in the years following The Wolf of Wall Street. Not only has she proven her acting chops, but she has also taken on the role of producer through her company, LuckyChap Entertainment. In doing so, Robbie has shown that she is not just a talented actress but also a savvy businesswoman committed to supporting and producing projects that challenge norms and push boundaries.
The Legacy of The Wolf of Wall Street
When The Wolf of Wall Street was released in 2013, it quickly became a cultural touchstone. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film was a critical and commercial success, earning multiple Oscar nominations and establishing itself as one of the most iconic films of the decade.
One of the lasting legacies of the film is how it brought attention to the theme of greed and excess in American society, and how it laid bare the corruption that defined Wall Street during the 1990s. However, another key takeaway from the film is the portrayal of women like Naomi Lapaglia. In many ways, Robbie’s character represents the intersection of beauty, ambition, and the toxic world of corporate America. Through Naomi, the film subtly critiques how women were often complicit in these systems of wealth and power, often at the expense of their own dignity and self-respect.
The film’s portrayal of Naomi and Robbie’s performance highlight the complexities and contradictions that often accompany success, particularly in male-dominated industries like finance. It is a testament to Robbie’s skill that, despite Naomi’s outwardly glamorous life, the character remains deeply flawed and human, reminding audiences of the price that often comes with living in such a world.
Conclusion Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street
Margot Robbie’s performance in The Wolf of Wall Street remains one of the most iconic and game-changing moments of her career. Through her portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia, she proved that she was more than just a pretty face—she was a serious actress capable of taking on complex, multifaceted roles. The film not only launched her into stardom but also established her as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses.
As we look back on Robbie’s career, it’s clear that The Wolf of Wall Street was a turning point that set the stage for the many successful projects that followed. From I, Tonya to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Robbie has consistently proven that she is much more than her breakout role as Naomi Lapaglia. However, there’s no denying that The Wolf of Wall Street will always be remembered as the moment that changed everything for Margot Robbie.
FAQs
1. How did Margot Robbie prepare for her role in The Wolf of Wall Street?
Margot Robbie prepared for her role by working closely with Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio to understand the character of Naomi Lapaglia. She also took inspiration from the real-life women involved with Wall Street figures and focused on portraying a character who was both glamorous and complex.
2. Was Margot Robbie’s performance in The Wolf of Wall Street well-received?
Yes, Robbie’s performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. She was noted for holding her own against established actors like DiCaprio and Jonah Hill, and her portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia was seen as a standout in the film.
3. What impact did The Wolf of Wall Street have on Margot Robbie’s career?
The film was a major turning point for Robbie, propelling her into the spotlight and establishing her as one of Hollywood’s most promising actresses. Following the success of the film, Robbie landed roles in major films like Suicide Squad, I, Tonya, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
4. Why is Naomi Lapaglia such an important character in The Wolf of Wall Street?
Naomi Lapaglia is an important character because she represents the seductive allure of wealth and excess in the world of Wall Street. Despite being a supporting character, Naomi’s complex nature adds depth to the film and highlights the gender dynamics at play in the world of finance.
5. What did Margot Robbie say about working with Martin Scorsese?
Margot Robbie has spoken highly of her experience working with Martin Scorsese, describing him as an incredible mentor. She appreciated his detailed direction and the creative freedom he gave her to explore Naomi’s character.
