Imagine working alongside one of Hollywood's biggest stars, only to have her turn "mean" on set—intentionally, just to help you nail your scene. Intriguing, right? But here's the twist: the actress in question was actually grateful for it! Let's dive into Carrie Preston's fascinating story about her experiences with Julia Roberts on the sets of My Best Friend's Wedding and Duplicity, and why that so-called meanness turned out to be a game-changer for her performance.
Carrie Preston, known for her roles in shows like The Good Wife and Elsbeth, recently opened up on Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Dinner's on Me podcast about her time collaborating with Oscar-winning legend Julia Roberts. Reflecting on her first big movie role in 1997's My Best Friend's Wedding, directed by P.J. Hogan, Preston shared how, as a young actress in her late 20s, she was starstruck by Roberts' undeniable stardom. 'We were around 27 or 28 at the time, and she was already at the pinnacle of her career—so young and so commanding,' Preston recalled with admiration. 'That was pure movie star energy.' She admitted feeling jittery around Roberts but appreciated her professionalism. Plus, there was a special bond: both hailed from Georgia, adding a layer of shared Southern roots to their connection during the rom-com shoot.
But fast-forward to 2009, and their reunion on Duplicity brought a whole new dynamic. Preston described it as 'interesting,' especially since she was only on set for a brief cameo. In the film, her character has a scandalous affair with the boyfriend of Roberts' character, played by Clive Owen—talk about dramatic tension! And this is the part most people miss: It wasn't just about the storyline; the behind-the-scenes prep made all the difference.
Picture this: Preston was tasked with a high-stakes scene where Roberts' character glares at her with pure hatred over the betrayal, and she had to burst into tears on command. For those new to acting lingo, 'crying on cue' means summoning real emotions to weep convincingly during filming, which can be incredibly stressful—especially when you're surrounded by a crew you don't know and need to stay emotionally raw and exposed. 'You're in this vulnerable state, and the pressure is immense,' Preston explained, highlighting how unfamiliarity with the team can amp up the nerves.
But here's where it gets controversial: Earlier that day, Roberts pulled Preston aside for a heartfelt warning. 'She gave me a big hug and said, "I'm gonna be mean to you for the rest of the day,"' Preston remembered. 'She gave me fair notice that she wasn't going to chat or be friendly—just to set the right mood.' And you know what? It worked perfectly. Preston knew that if they were laughing and joking beforehand, switching gears to sob uncontrollably would be a nightmare. Instead, Roberts' deliberate coldness created the emotional distance needed for authenticity.
When the time came, the crew called them to set. No lengthy rehearsals, just cameras rolling. 'She gave me one look, and I just started sobbing—it flowed naturally,' Preston said of that intense moment. 'It was the most pressure-packed acting challenge I'd faced up to then.' Yet, she was profoundly appreciative that Roberts chose to be 'mean' so graciously, purely to elevate the performance. After they wrapped, Roberts rallied the whole crew to clap for Preston. 'It was such a cool, affirming moment,' the actress concluded.
Duplicity, helmed by Tony Gilroy, is a thriller about two corporate spies—Claire (Roberts) and Ray (Owen)—who get tangled in a secret romance amid espionage. It's a film that underscores how personal dynamics can fuel on-screen drama.
Now, isn't it fascinating how intentional 'meanness' can sometimes boost creativity in acting? But let's spark some debate: Do you think this approach is a smart acting technique, or does it cross into unprofessional territory? Is it ethical for co-stars to manipulate emotions like this, even if it's for the sake of the art? Some might argue it's a clever way to stay in character, while others could see it as unnecessarily harsh. What do you think—has something similar happened to you or someone you know in creative fields? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear differing opinions!
