Margot Robbie has portrayed a variety of roles throughout her career, some of which have included provocative or controversial scenes that garnered significant attention. While Robbie is widely praised for her acting versatility and commitment to her roles, there are a few scenes that stand out as particularly provocative or boundary-pushing in terms of both content and the public's reaction.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – The "Bedroom Scene"
One of the most provocative scenes that Margot Robbie is known for is from The Wolf of Wall Street, where she plays Naomi Lapaglia, the wife of Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Jordan Belfort. The film is known for its explicit content, including a scene in which Robbie’s character has a heated, sexual encounter with DiCaprio’s character. This scene, along with the movie’s portrayal of excess and debauchery, raised eyebrows due to its rawness and intensity. Robbie’s performance was lauded for her fearless portrayal of Naomi as a woman who was both seductive and strong in a chaotic world. The scene also helped cement her as an actress who was willing to take on bold and daring roles.
2. Suicide Squad (2016) – Harley Quinn's Sensuality and Violence
In Suicide Squad, Robbie portrayed Harley Quinn, a role that is provocative both in terms of her character’s sexual allure and her violent, chaotic nature. The film’s portrayal of Harley Quinn as a sexually charged and unpredictable character attracted significant attention, particularly in scenes where she displays a mix of vulnerability and aggression. One of the film’s most provocative moments is when Harley, in her costume, uses her sexuality as both a weapon and a form of control. Robbie's physicality and performance in these scenes made Harley Quinn one of the most talked-about characters in modern superhero films.
3. I, Tonya (2017) – The Abuse Scenes
While I, Tonya is a biographical drama about the life of figure skater Tonya Harding, it also includes several provocative and intense moments, especially in terms of the physical and emotional abuse experienced by Harding (played by Robbie) at the hands of her ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan). The scenes where Robbie's character is subjected to abuse, both physically and emotionally, are raw and disturbing. Robbie’s portrayal of Tonya Harding is both heartbreaking and unflinching, particularly in scenes that challenge viewers to understand the complexities of Harding’s life and the domestic violence she endured. The provocative nature of these scenes lies not in their sexuality, but in their discomfort and emotional intensity.
4. Bombshell (2019) – The Sexual Harassment Scenes
In Bombshell, which centers on the women who exposed the sexual harassment scandal involving media mogul Roger Ailes at Fox News, Robbie plays a fictional character, Kayla Pospisil, who is a young, ambitious associate at the network. The film features scenes that dramatize her character’s sexual harassment experiences and the emotional toll it takes on her. One of the most provocative and intense moments comes when Kayla is manipulated into a compromising situation by Ailes. The scene, while not explicitly graphic, is emotionally charged and speaks to issues of power dynamics and exploitation in the workplace. Robbie’s performance here was noted for its emotional depth and the courage to tackle such a sensitive and provocative subject matter.
5. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) – Sharon Tate’s Sexuality
In Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Robbie portrays the legendary actress Sharon Tate, and while the film is not overtly provocative, Robbie’s performance includes scenes that highlight Tate’s youthful energy, beauty, and sexual allure. In particular, her portrayal of Tate’s interactions with her friends and the public display of her playful, flirtatious side show a more sensual aspect of her character. While these scenes are not explicit, the attention to Tate’s charm and the way Robbie captures her innocence and sexuality in a very 1960s Hollywood setting make these moments stand out.