Picture this: You're a rising actress, stepping onto the set of your first major film, and the leading lady—who's already a global icon—is giving you a heads-up that she's about to turn into your on-screen nemesis for the day. Sounds daunting, right? But as Carrie Preston revealed in a recent chat, that very 'meanness' from Julia Roberts was the secret ingredient that made her scene in Duplicity unforgettable. Dive in as we unpack this behind-the-scenes story, and you'll see why sometimes a little tough love on set can lead to magic on screen.
Carrie Preston, best known for her roles in shows like The Good Wife and Elsbeth, opened up during an episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Dinner's on Me podcast. She reflected on her collaborations with Julia Roberts, starting way back in 1997's My Best Friend's Wedding, which marked Preston's big-screen debut. At the time, both women were in their late twenties—Preston nervous and green, while Roberts was already a powerhouse at the height of her fame. 'She was a true movie star back then,' Preston recalled warmly, explaining how Roberts exuded professionalism. The two bonded over their shared roots as young actresses hailing from Georgia, adding a layer of camaraderie to their on-set dynamic under director P.J. Hogan's rom-com lens.
Fast-forward to 2009, and they reunited for Duplicity, directed by Tony Gilroy. This time, Preston landed a cameo role that put her in a pivotal, emotionally charged scene. In the film, her character has an affair with Roberts' love interest, played by Clive Owen, setting the stage for intense jealousy and confrontation. Preston described it as 'interesting' because she was only there for a few days, filming what she called a 'wonderful cameo.' But here's where it gets controversial—acting out betrayal and raw emotion isn't just about talent; it's about tapping into vulnerability in ways that can blur the lines between real and reel.
The scene demanded Preston to cry on cue under extreme pressure, especially since she was unfamiliar with the crew and had to stay emotionally open. 'You have to keep yourself in that vulnerable spot,' she explained, which is a concept beginners in acting might find tricky to grasp. Essentially, it means maintaining an emotional state that's raw and accessible, like an open wound, to deliver authentic performances—something that can be exhausting and high-stakes.
And this is the part most people miss: Roberts didn't just dive into the scene without preparation. Early that day, she approached Preston with a heartfelt hug and a clear warning: 'I'm gonna be mean to you for the rest of the day.' No small talk, no friendliness—just a deliberate distance to build the necessary tension. Preston appreciated the heads-up, recognizing it would help her channel the character's pain without the awkwardness of switching gears mid-flow. As she put it, 'If we were chumming it up beforehand, it would've been harder to flip the switch and cry.'
When the cameras rolled, everything clicked. 'We hardly rehearsed,' Preston shared, 'but once Julia gave me that look, I just started sobbing.' It was her most intense acting challenge up to that point, but Roberts' approach—graciously distancing herself—made it work. The scene wrapped successfully, and to top it off, Roberts rallied the crew to applaud Preston. 'It was a cool moment,' she concluded, full of gratitude for the Oscar-winner's savvy technique.
For those new to Hollywood lore, Duplicity is a thriller about two corporate spies, Claire (Roberts) and Ray (Owen), whose professional rivalry morphs into a secretive romance, filled with deceit and high-stakes intrigue. It's a reminder that even in scripted worlds, real emotions and strategies can make all the difference.
Now, let's stir the pot a bit. Is Roberts' method of 'being mean' a brilliant acting hack, or does it cross into ethical gray areas by intentionally creating discomfort? Some might argue it's just smart preparation, like athletes psyching themselves up for a game. Others could see it as manipulative, especially in an industry where boundaries can get fuzzy. What do you think—should actors be encouraged to go to such lengths for authenticity, or is there a better way to build tension without the personal toll? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you've experienced something similar on set or if this changes how you view celebrity collaborations!
