Sometimes, a little 'mean' can be a good thing, especially when it comes to acting! Carrie Preston recently shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story about her experience working with Julia Roberts on the set of Duplicity. It turns out, Roberts' approach, while seemingly harsh, was exactly what Preston needed to deliver a powerful performance.
Preston, known for her roles in True Blood and The Good Wife, recounted her experiences during an interview on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Dinner’s on Me podcast. She reflected on working with Roberts not only in Duplicity (2009) but also in My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997), which was Preston’s first film. She described Roberts as a 'movie star' even at a young age.
In Duplicity, Preston had a 'wonderful cameo' where her character is involved in a scene with Roberts. Preston's character sleeps with the boyfriend of Roberts' character, played by Clive Owen. Before filming a particularly intense scene, Roberts gave Preston a heads-up. She said she would be 'mean' to her for the rest of the day to help with the scene.
"She gave me a big hug and then she said, ‘I’m gonna be mean to you for the rest of the day.’ She gave me a fair warning," Preston recalled. This approach was a strategic move by Roberts. Preston explained that it would have been more difficult to tap into the raw emotion required for the scene if they had been friendly beforehand.
When the cameras rolled, Preston found herself in a high-pressure situation. She had to cry on cue, a challenge made more difficult by the unfamiliarity with the crew. But, Roberts' intentional distance and 'mean' demeanor created the perfect atmosphere. "I just started sobbing," Preston said. The scene went well, and Roberts even had the entire crew applaud Preston's performance, a 'cool moment' according to Preston.
But here's where it gets controversial... Could Roberts' method be seen as a form of method acting, pushing boundaries to achieve a desired outcome? Or was it simply a practical approach to help a fellow actress? It certainly raises questions about the lengths actors go to and the dynamics on set. What do you think? Did Roberts' approach enhance the scene, or could it have been achieved through other means? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
