How Margot Robbie Mastered the Tonya Harding Role- A Deep Dive into Her Preparatory Journey for ‘I, Tonya’

How Did Margot Robbie Prepare for “I, Tonya”?

Margot Robbie’s portrayal of figure skater Tonya Harding in the biographical sports comedy “I, Tonya” was nothing short of transformative. The Australian actress delved deep into the character to bring authenticity and depth to her performance. So, how did Margot Robbie prepare for such a challenging role? Let’s dive into the meticulous process she undertook to capture the essence of the controversial figure skater.

First and foremost, Robbie spent considerable time researching Tonya Harding’s life. She immersed herself in the world of figure skating, watching hours of footage of Harding’s performances and studying her skating style. This allowed her to understand the technical aspects of the sport and the intense dedication required to excel in it.

To master the physicality of a figure skater, Robbie worked with a professional figure skater, who taught her the basics of skating and the required movements. She even trained with a choreographer to ensure her movements on the ice were fluid and precise. Robbie’s dedication to the role was evident in her willingness to push her physical limits and learn the sport from scratch.

In addition to physical training, Robbie delved into the psychological aspects of Tonya’s character. She read biographies and interviews with Harding, as well as her own memoir, “Rise and Fall of a Hockey Mom.” This helped her understand the complexities of Tonya’s personality and the challenges she faced in her personal and professional life.

One of the most significant aspects of Robbie’s preparation was her work with a dialect coach. Tonya Harding has a distinctive accent, and Robbie wanted to ensure her portrayal was as authentic as possible. The actress worked tirelessly to perfect her accent, which added another layer of realism to her performance.

Moreover, Robbie sought to capture the essence of Tonya’s relationship with her mother, LaVona Golden. She spent time with LaVona herself, learning about their dynamic and the influence LaVona had on Tonya’s life. This insight was crucial in creating a believable mother-daughter relationship on screen.

Lastly, Robbie’s dedication to the role extended beyond her own preparation. She worked closely with director Craig Gillespie and the rest of the cast to ensure the film’s authenticity. The actress even had the chance to meet Tonya Harding herself, which further solidified her commitment to the role.

In conclusion, Margot Robbie’s preparation for “I, Tonya” was a combination of meticulous research, physical training, and a deep understanding of the character’s complexities. Her dedication to the role paid off, as her portrayal of Tonya Harding was both powerful and authentic, earning her critical acclaim and a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress.