Matthew McConaughey’s Iconic Humming Scene in The Wolf of Wall Street Was Improvised

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Teaming up with Matthew McConaughey, Camila Alves made another jaw-dropping entrance in December 2013 at The Wolf of Wall Street premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City.

Camila Alves hides behind her hair at the premiere of "The Wolf of Wall Street" at the Ziegfeld TheatreCamila Alves hides behind her hair at the premiere of “The Wolf of Wall Street” held on December 17, 2013, at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City (Credit: Dan Jackman / Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

The Brazilian model arrived at the premiere to support her husband, Matthew McConaughey, who plays a role in the film as Mark Hanna, the mentor of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jordan Belfort.

Although his role was small, he made a big impression with his charisma and portrayal of a ruthless Wall Street trader.

During a lunch meeting, Mark imparts unconventional advice to Jordan, including the recommendation to indulge in regular masturbation and cocaine use.

In "The Wolf of Wall Street," Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Jordan Belfort, a young stockbroker drawn into a realm of corruption and extravagance, while Matthew McConaughey takes on the role of Mark Hanna, Belfort's mentor and a cutthroat Wall Street traderIn “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Jordan Belfort, a young stockbroker drawn into a realm of corruption and extravagance, while Matthew McConaughey takes on the role of Mark Hanna, Belfort’s mentor and a cutthroat Wall Street trader (Credit: Paramount Pictures)

With Martin Scorsese directing and the talents of DiCaprio and McConaughey bringing this material to life, the result was destined for cinematic greatness.

Yet, a stroke of innovation elevated the scene even further. During breaks in shooting, McConaughey had been engaging in a ritual of pounding his chest and humming—a meditative practice he often used to clear his mind, prepare his voice, and find his rhythm.

Leonardo DiCaprio proposed incorporating this ritual into the scene, and this creative addition became a defining moment in the film. The collaboration between DiCaprio, McConaughey, and Scorsese led to cinematic history.

During the second week of filming, Matthew McConaughey's scenes featured his improvised chest beating and humming warm-up ritual, prompting Leonardo DiCaprio to include the awkward glance towards Martin Scorsese for approval; DiCaprio found this spontaneous addition crucial in establishing the film's toneDuring the second week of filming, Matthew McConaughey’s scenes featured his improvised chest beating and humming warm-up ritual, prompting Leonardo DiCaprio to include the awkward glance towards Martin Scorsese for approval; DiCaprio found this spontaneous addition crucial in establishing the film’s tone (Credit: Paramount Pictures)

The lunchtime interaction between Leonardo DiCaprio and Matthew McConaughey’s characters was intended to occur within a World Trade Center structure.

The actual Mark Hanna, portrayed by McConaughey, revealed that he acquired a 25% stake in Jordan Belfort’s enterprise and collaborated with him for an additional two years—an aspect absent from the movie’s portrayal.

McConaughey’s visibly reduced physique resulted from his prior involvement in the 2013 American biographical drama film Dallas Buyers Club, where he shed 47 pounds to match his role. Interestingly, his weight has a noticeable progression as his character unfolds in the film.

Camila Alves Sizzles in Red Lace Dress at The Wolf of Wall Street Premiere

Camila Alves and Matthew McConaughey pose together at the premiere of "The Wolf of Wall Street"Camila Alves and Matthew McConaughey pose together at the premiere of “The Wolf of Wall Street” (Credit: Dan Jackman / Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Camila cozied up to her husband on the red carpet, and the gorgeous couple stole the spotlight in their stylish ensembles.

Matthew looked dapper in his gray Brunello Cucinelli suit that featured wide silk lapels.

Camila Alves poses next to Matthew McConaughey in his gray Brunello Cucinelli suitCamila Alves poses next to Matthew McConaughey in his gray Brunello Cucinelli suit (Credit: Dan Jackman / Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Camila sizzled in a beautiful red lace cocktail dress from Dolce & Gabbana‘s Fall 2013 collection.

Camila Alves poses in a red lace Dolce & Gabbana dressCamila Alves poses in a red lace Dolce & Gabbana dress (Credit: Dan Jackman / Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

The knee-length dress featured long sleeves, black mesh lining, and a scalloped hemline.

Camila channeled classic Hollywood glamour with her cascading curls and enviable curves.

Camila Alves shows off her model figure in a red lace Dolce & Gabbana dressCamila Alves shows off her model figure in a red lace Dolce & Gabbana dress (Credit: Dan Jackman / Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Her makeup was flawless, as usual, and she finished her look with PVC and lace pumps from Dolce & Gabbana.

Camila Alves's feet in lacy Dolce & Gabbana pumpsCamila Alves’s feet in lacy Dolce & Gabbana pumps (Credit: Dan Jackman / Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Camila wore nude heels from Dolce & Gabbana, which feature a floral lace overlay, leather trim, PVC sides, pointed toes, and covered heels.

We couldn’t find this exact pair online, but we found Camila’s shoes in black at Mytheresa.

Dolce & Gabbana Translucent Lace-Detailed Mary Jane Pumps in BlackDolce & Gabbana Translucent Lace-Detailed Mary Jane Pumps in Black, $775