Margot Robbie's Journey: The Rigorous Skating Training for "I, Tonya"
Margot Robbie's portrayal of Tonya Harding in the film "I, Tonya" required more than just acting talent; it demanded a transformation into a believable figure skater. This article delves into the extensive training Robbie underwent to embody the controversial Olympian, exploring the dedication, challenges, and techniques employed to bring Harding's story to life on the ice.
The Genesis of "I, Tonya"
The idea for "I, Tonya" came to screenwriter Steven Rogers while watching an ESPN documentary on the Harding-Kerrigan affair. Intrigued by the story, Rogers tracked down Harding and her ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, to gather their accounts of the events. The conflicting narratives formed the basis of the film's "he said, she said" format. Rogers then sent the script to various independent producers, including LuckyChap Entertainment, a production house launched by Robbie and her then-boyfriend, Tom Ackerley. Despite being unfamiliar with Harding's story, the duo was captivated by the script and saw it as an opportunity for Robbie to showcase her acting range.
Robbie's Transformation: From Actress to Athlete
Robbie's casting as Tonya Harding raised some eyebrows, given her Australian background and lack of skating experience. However, Rogers recognized an intensity in Robbie's eyes that convinced him she could pull it off. To prepare for the role, Robbie embarked on a rigorous five-month training regimen, dedicating four hours a day, five days a week, to learning to ice skate.
Embracing the Ice: A Terrifying but Obsessive Journey
Robbie admitted to being initially terrified of not being able to master the skating skills required for the role. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve were spent at the rink, highlighting her commitment. She became obsessed with the sport, pushing herself to overcome her fear and master the complex movements. Despite starting her training at 26 years old, Robbie persevered, even when she suffered a herniated disk in her neck early on.
Working with a Choreographer
Sarah Kawahara, a former Canadian figure skater and Emmy-winning choreographer, was brought on board to train Robbie. Kawahara's extensive experience included choreographing for Peggy Fleming, the 2002 Olympics opening ceremony, and even Will Ferrell in "Blades of Glory."
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Building Muscle Memory and Natural Movements
Kawahara focused on developing Robbie's muscle memory and ensuring her movements looked natural on the ice. This involved practicing casual strokes and stops until they appeared effortless. "It’s not a matter of just learning to skate and stop and turn around; it’s looking like you don’t have to think about it," Kawahara explained.
Learning Harding's Routines
Robbie also had to learn Harding's actual routines. Kawahara worked with her on the first 30 seconds of four routines, closely coordinating with director Craig Gillespie to align the skating movements with the camera angles and acting. For example, Gillespie envisioned a shot where Robbie would land a triple flip, and the camera would continue moving towards the judges and the audience.
Overcoming Physical Challenges
To capture Harding's physique, costume designer Jennifer Johnson initially considered adding padding to Robbie's costumes. However, this idea was abandoned because it would hinder her skating ability. Instead, Robbie altered her posture, adopting a more masculine walk and gaining muscle by shifting her shoulders and hips.
The Elusive Triple Axel
One of the biggest challenges was replicating Harding's signature move, the triple axel. The producers struggled to find a double who could perform the jump, as only a handful of women have successfully landed it since Harding. Robbie was able to do the position of prepping the triple axel and going into the triple axel and then landing it. Margot was really able to - as an actor - take it to the next level, and capture the moment, and capture the emotion of Tonya landing that triple axel.
Capturing Harding's Essence: Beyond the Physicality
While mastering the skating was crucial, Robbie also had to embody Harding's personality and emotional complexity. This involved finding empathy for a woman who had been largely villainized by the media.
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Understanding Harding's Background
Kawahara, who had met Harding a couple of times prior to Kerrigan’s injury, described her as "nice enough… kind of cautious." She added, "I think she always felt like she was trying to prove that she belonged." This understanding of Harding's insecurities and desire for acceptance informed Robbie's portrayal.
Balancing Comedy and Pathos
"I, Tonya" navigates a delicate balance between comedy and pathos. The film explores the humor in the absurd situations Harding found herself in, while also acknowledging the hardships and abuse she endured. Robbie's performance captures this duality, portraying Harding as both a flawed individual and a victim of circumstance.
Improvisation and Authenticity
Robbie's skating skills allowed for moments of improvisation and authenticity on set. For example, in a scene where Harding confronts the judges about her low scores, Robbie was able to skate up to them with speed and conviction, making the moment even more impactful.
The Impact of "I, Tonya"
"I, Tonya" premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was quickly acquired by Neon and 30West. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Robbie Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations. More importantly, it sparked a re-evaluation of Harding's story, prompting audiences to question their preconceived notions and consider her perspective.
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