The dazzling beauty and commanding presence that Julia Roberts exudes on screen has made her one of the most beloved and renowned actresses in Hollywood. She has long been known for these qualities. Nevertheless, in a more recent and rather unexpected transition, the actress exhibited an entirely new side of herself when filming the drama August: Osage County in 2013. This changed the way she was perceived by the audience. Julia Roberts, who is well known for her breakthrough performance as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman, where she won over audiences with her dazzling good looks and charming personality, adopted a far more subdued and unrecognisable appearance for her role in this emotionally charged and character-driven picture.
The fans were in for a pleasant surprise when Julia Roberts made her debut on the set of August: Osage County production. The attractive actress that fans had become accustomed to seeing in films such as Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride was no longer present there. Julia, on the other hand, adopted a much more sombre and genuine appearance while she was filming sequences that were emotionally charged in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
As she embraced a raw and unpolished version of herself, she did not wear any makeup on her face at all. This allowed her natural characteristics to be seen and appreciated. In stark contrast to the classic image of Julia Roberts that many people still identify with her career-launching portrayal as the pleasant and vivacious Vivian Ward, this change stood out as a significant departure from that image.
Julia played the role of Barbara Weston in the television show August: Osage County. She was a character who was suffering with the dysfunction of her family as they brought themselves together after the disappearance of their alcoholic patriarch. Julia chose to dress modestly in order to fully immerse herself in the part. She wore a basic white blouse that was placed over a cream-coloured top, and she teamed it with loose blue trousers. The fact that her normally glossy hair was left unstyled and instead pulled back into a plain, messy ponytail was another factor that contributed to the transition into a character that was very different from the colourful and trendy personas that she is renowned for playing.
During this time period, one of the most noteworthy moments that was filmed was an emotional moment in which Julia’s character, Barbara, was required to identify the body of a family member who had passed away. Not only was the action emotionally taxing, but it was also physically demanding. Julia’s representation of loss was both powerful and genuine, with her character crying excessively as she sought solace from her co-star, Ewan McGregor, who played Bill Fordham, a member of the Weston family. Julia’s portrayal of grief was both powerful and honest.
During this terrifying scene, the character played by Ewan clings to Julia’s hand with tangible suspense as they make their way towards a boat dock in order to identify the body. This highlights the heightened emotional intensity of the situation. The representation of Barbara’s sadness by Julia was not only one of the most powerful moments in the movie, but it also demonstrated the depth of her acting talent as she fully committed to such a difficult and solemn part.
It is interesting to note that Julia’s on-set demeanour was not entirely focused on the emotional anguish of the film, despite the fact that her sequences were quite heavy. The dramatic sequences that Julia was filming were a startling contrast to the laughing that she was letting out in between takes. In point of fact, during one of the breaks in the filming, Julia could be seen laughing so hard that she was brought to tears, demonstrating a more humorous side of the actress. Julianne Nicholson, another co-star, seemed to point out something hilarious to the group, which ignited this lighter moment. Julianne Nicholson was the one who started it.
During the emotionally hard process of filming, similar humorous moments serve to highlight the camaraderie that exists among the cast members as well as the close-knit, supportive environment that they successfully created. In spite of the important topics that were discussed in the movie and the intense nature of the part, Julia, Julianne, and the rest of the cast, which included Meryl Streep, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Renée Zellweger, shared genuine moments of humour and connection with one another.
The film August: Osage County featured a cast that was comprised of all-stars, with Julia Roberts serving as the focal point of a formidable ensemble. In addition to Meryl Streep, who played Violet Weston, the matriarch of the dysfunctional family, Benedict Cumberbatch, who played Little Charles Aiken, and Juliette Lewis, who played Karen Weston, were also featured in the film.
There were a few significant adjustments made during the production process, despite the fact that the initial casting decisions were made. It was once thought that Renée Zellweger would play a part in the movie; however, due to schedule issues, Andrea Riseborough was chosen to play the part instead. However, in the end, Riseborough decided to withdraw from the role of Karen Weston owing to more schedule conflicts, and Juliette Lewis was chosen to play the role instead.
During a different shift, Chloe Moretz was initially considered for the role of Jean Fordham; however, she was ultimately replaced by Abigail Breslin, whose performance of the character contributed to the ensemble’s overall depth of understanding.
Julia’s dedication to playing Barbara Weston was clear in every facet of her performance, from the physical metamorphosis she underwent to the emotional investment she made in the character. Barbara was a lady who was deeply broken and imperfect, coping with the problems of family, bereavement, and personal anguish. This was in contrast to the glossy characters that she had previously been identified with. The fact that Julia was able to portray such a multifaceted and intricate character is evidence of the versatility she possesses as an actress.
In contrast to the romantic comedies and feel-good flicks that made Julia Roberts a household name, this role was a significant change from her previous appearances. The character she played in August: Osage County was one that was characterised by suffering, vulnerability, and emotional complexity. She abandoned the persona of the charming leading woman that she had previously performed.
The change that Julia Roberts underwent for the film August: Osage County serves as a potent reminder of the enormous range that she possesses as an actress. She established that she is more than capable of taking on roles that are difficult and dramatic for a variety of reasons, including her unrecognisable appearance and the emotional depth she possesses. In spite of the fact that the character is distressing, Julia is able to maintain a balance between severe grief and moments of humour behind the scenes. This demonstrates the depth of her professionalism as well as her capacity to embrace the emotional highs and lows that come with playing such a multidimensional character.
Despite the fact that Julia Roberts’ performance as Barbara Weston in August: Osage County was a departure from her previous work, it was the role that cemented her position as one of the most talented and renowned actresses in Hollywood.