Australian actress and producer, Margot Robbie has made a significant impact on both blockbusters and independent films since her breakthrough in 2013’s The Wolf of Wall Street. Robbie’s remarkable talent and captivating performances have earned her numerous accolades, including nominations for Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and British Academy Film Awards.
Her performance as Naomi Lapaglia, opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, garnered critical acclaim and propelled her into the Hollywood spotlight. But Robbie didn’t stop anywhere near there.
Subsequently, Robbie continued to make her mark in the film industry with notable roles, such as Jane Porter in The Legend of Tarzan (2016). However, her most iconic role came as the enigmatic Harley Quinn in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films. She first portrayed the character in Suicide Squad (2016), a role that received widespread praise for her electrifying portrayal of the character.
Time Magazine recognized her influence in the entertainment industry by including her in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2017. Additionally, Forbes ranked her as one of the world’s highest-paid actresses in 2019.
Let’s take a look at some of Robbie’s best and not-so-great roles.
Best Movies:
1. I, Tonya (2017)
Craig Gillespie’s I, Tonya is a biographical drama that showcases Margot Robbie in the role of disgraced former professional figure skater Tonya Harding. The film delves into the intriguing and tumultuous life of Harding, exploring her upbringing, her complex relationship with her mother, portrayed by Allison Janney, her stormy romance with Jeff Gillooly, played by Sebastian Stan, and the infamous incident involving Nancy Kerrigan’s assault in 1994.
The film’s success was significantly attributed to Robbie’s exceptional performance as Tonya Harding, which earned her numerous accolades, including an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Robbie’s ability to embody the multifaceted character of Harding, capturing both her vulnerabilities and tenacity, was widely praised by audiences and critics alike.
2. The Suicide Squad (2021)
In this soft reboot of Suicide Squad, Robbie’s Harley Quinn is a pivotal member, taking part in the team’s initial mission, which unfortunately ends in failure. As the sole survivor of the mission, Harley finds herself in a perilous situation, and her journey becomes a focal point of the film’s narrative.
The Suicide Squad received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, thanks to its refreshing blend of unrestrained humor, intense action sequences, and the addition of a stellar ensemble cast, including Idris Elba, John Cena, and Daniel Melchior. The chemistry between the actors and their performances contributed significantly to the film’s success.
Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn, in particular, garnered high praise from critics. Her ability to breathe life into the complex character and bring depth to her emotions was lauded by many. One standout scene that resonated with audiences was her escape sequence set to the tune of Louis Prima’s Just a Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody. This scene showcased Harley’s fierce determination, acrobatic skills, and quirky charm, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
3. Barbie (2023)
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is poised to challenge conventions, celebrate individuality, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding women’s empowerment and representation in media. Reaching almost $800 million worldwide, it’s clear that this feminist fantasia has made a significant impact on the cultural landscape.
Robbie’s portrayal of the titular character has been hailed as outstanding, with the actress effectively bringing depth and authenticity to the role. By presenting Barbie as earnest, vulnerable, and relatable, Robbie challenges stereotypes and infuses the character with a refreshing complexity. This portrayal offers a subversive and empowering depiction of a figure typically associated with unrealistic beauty standards and shallow materialism.
4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
In Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Robbie reunites with Leonardo DiCaprio, alongside Brad Pitt, in a star-studded historical fiction comedy. The movie revolves around the character of Rick Dalton, portrayed by DiCaprio, a fading actor trying to navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood in the late 1960s.
Robbie takes on the role of a fictionalized version of Sharon Tate, an iconic actress whose life was tragically cut short by the Tate murders. The film received highly positive reviews from critics, with many considering it Tarantino’s nostalgic love letter to the ’60s era of Hollywood.
5. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
The Wolf of Wall Street is a gripping biographical drama that features Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, a charismatic New York stockbroker whose life is filled with excess and downfall. Margot Robbie portrays Naomi Lapaglia, Jordan’s stunning second wife, who stands by his side through the highs and lows of his tumultuous journey.
Robbie’s portrayal of the beautiful and assertive second wife garnered considerable praise from audiences and critics alike. Her portrayal of Naomi brought depth and complexity to the character, making her one of the standout performers in the movie.
The film served as a turning point in Robbie’s career, propelling her to stardom and establishing her as a talented and versatile actress in Hollywood.
6. Bombshell (2019)
Bombshell, directed by Jay Roach, is a powerful drama that tells the story of three women involved in exposing Fox CEO Roger Ailes as a sexual predator. Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman portray fictionalized versions of real-life figures Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson, respectively, while Robbie takes on the role of Kayla Pospisil, a fictional character created for the film.
The movie’s subject matter and its focus on a real-life scandal garnered attention and discussions among critics. Some reviewers expressed concerns over the film’s portrayal of the events, with accusations of sensationalizing the story. While Bombshell tackles a significant and impactful issue, there were varying opinions on the way it handled the sensitive subject matter.
However, the performances of the leading actresses were widely praised. Charlize Theron’s portrayal of Megyn Kelly received particular acclaim, with her transformation and nuanced depiction earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Margot Robbie’s performance as Kayla Pospisil also garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her ability to bring depth and authenticity to a fictional character.
REELated:
Worst Movies:
1. Suicide Squad (2016)
While Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn was praised, the film itself received mixed reviews from both critics and fans. The disjointed plot and uneven pacing prevented it from being a standout in the DCEU.
2. Tarzan (2016)
In this live-action adaptation of the classic tale, Robbie played Jane Porter, but her character lacked depth and agency. The film’s overall reception was lukewarm, despite Robbie’s best efforts.
3. Focus (2015)
In this crime-comedy, Robbie starred alongside Will Smith, but the film failed to make a lasting impact due to its clichéd plot and lack of chemistry between the leads.
4. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)
Though Robbie’s role as a British journalist in this war comedy-drama was well-acted, the film struggled to find its footing and garnered mixed reviews from critics.
5. Terminal (2018)
In this noir thriller, Robbie played a mysterious femme fatale, but the convoluted plot and lack of character development hindered the film’s potential.
Despite a few missteps, Margot Robbie’s filmography is filled with exceptional performances that have solidified her place as a leading actress in Hollywood. From complex real-life figures to iconic fictional characters, Robbie continues to impress audiences with her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft.
As she embarks on future projects, fans eagerly await to see what new heights she will reach in her already illustrious career.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
