Margot Robbie reveals the eerie way she got into character for the controversial role of Sharon Tate

Last year, Quentin Tarantino's latest project - which is based on the Manson Family murders, specifically the killing of Hollywood beauty Sharon Tate - became the subject of debate when it was revealed who could play the lead role of Tate.

Jennifer Lawrence was initially tipped to portray Tate, who was brutally murdered by members of the Manson Family on 9 August 1969.

But Tate’s sister Debra was not impressed, saying: "I don’t think as much about Jennifer Lawrence. Not that I have anything against her. But she just, I don’t know, she’s not pretty enough to play Sharon."

Which is ridiculous because Lawrence is beautiful!

The role eventually went to Margot Robbie - which gives us chills because she is the spitting image of Tate - and now she has opened up about how she got into character on the set of the film, 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood'.

Speaking on the US Today show, the 29-year-old actress revealed she wore the late star's personal jewellery collection.

"It was sometimes very sad to be that closely connected with real-life Sharon.

"It kind of hit you at moments, and suddenly the tragedy of it all would kind of hit you and you would be tremendously sad, and then other times it just made me feel so happy."

Debra reportedly lent Robbie the items for her time on-screen.

The film - which received a blessing from Debra to tell the actress' story - also stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Al Pacino.

Tarantino previously revealed the film will take place in Los Angeles in 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood.

"The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Pitt). Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don’t recognise anymore. But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbour... Sharon Tate," he shared.

The film is set to hit cinemas on August 15.