For her deep dive into Harley Quinn’s psyche, Margot Robbie immersed herself in DC Comics that spotlight her character to identify the essence of her relationship with the Joker. Despite not planning to peruse all the comics, Robbie was intent on deciphering why Harley, a former psychiatrist, would choose a life of crime beside the notorious Joker. The enigmatic lure the Joker held over Harley Quinn presented a unique challenge to Robbie, who was familiar with Joker’s version from “Suicide Squad” — a character who diverged from the traditional portrayal. Robbie’s frustration was palpable as she reflected:
“I just didn’t understand how she could be such a badass and then fall to pieces over some guy. I found that really frustrating. […] Fans seem to really love that about her, that she has this complete devotion to a guy that treats her badly.”
It was when Margot Robbie’s acting coach introduced her to the concept of codependency that she began to stitch together the complexities of Harley’s characterization. After diving into Sam Shepard’s “Fool for Love,” Robbie was struck by the parallels in May’s toxic and intertwined relationship with Eddie, which helped her to understand the tragic and abusive dynamics that can exist in such relationships, akin to Harley’s own dysfunctional ties with the Joker.
FAQ about Margot Robbie’s Exploration of Harley Quinn’s Character
- What issue about Harley Quinn’s character frustrated Margot Robbie?
- Margot Robbie was frustrated by Harley Quinn’s apparent weakness for the Joker despite being a strong, badass character herself.
- How did Robbie attempt to understand Harley Quinn’s character better?
- Robbie dived into DC Comics featuring Harley Quinn and also explored the theme of codependency as advised by her acting coach.
- What helped Robbie understand the codependent nature of Harley’s relationship with the Joker?
- Studying Sam Shepard’s play “Fool for Love” enlightened Robbie on the aspect of toxic codependent relationships, which analogously related to the dysfunctional dynamic Harley Quinn had with the Joker.
Conclusion
Exploring the deeper layers of Harley Quinn’s character proved to be a challenging task for Margot Robbie, who grappled with understanding the paradoxical nature of Harley’s infatuation with the Joker. Despite initial frustrations, with thorough research and guidance on the theme of codependency, Robbie harnessed those insights and portrayed the character’s tragic essence, providing a complex and nuanced performance that resonated with the fans’ admiration for Harley’s fierce dedication and vulnerability.