Andrea Riseborough and Renée Zellweger were once considered for important roles.
Originally slated as Karen Weston, Riseborough eventually withdrew owing to schedule issues, and Juliette Lewis took her place.
At the same time, Abigail Breslin eventually won the part of Jean Fordham after Chloë Grace Moretz lost her audition.
The final group promised a rich dynamic on screen by combining youthful talent with seasoned pros.
Roberts’ dedication to the art was evident in her choice to remove all glitz for Barbara Weston.
She was raising her three children with her husband, cinematographer Daniel Moder, while juggling her busy work at the time of filming.
On the set, however, she threw herself into playing a lady enmeshed in the turmoil of a dysfunctional family that was collapsing under the weight of tragedy.
The emotional authenticity of the story was emphasized by the contrast between her “everywoman” appearance in the movie and the Julia Roberts that viewers were used to seeing.
Roberts’ portrayal of Barbara was intended to be realistic rather than glitzy; she is a woman navigating the aftermath of her father’s murder and disappearance while juggling feelings of sadness, rage, and fortitude.
The pictures of Roberts wearing layered blouses and unattractive pants, with her hair left limp and unremarkable, would have surprised fans.
However, it was another opportunity for Roberts to demonstrate her versatility.
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