Julia Roberts’ Strategic On-Set ‘Meanness’ Revealed by Co-Star Carrie Preston

Actress Carrie Preston recently shared a surprising story about working with Julia Roberts. The revelation came during an interview on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast. Preston detailed a specific day on the set of their 2009 film, Duplicity.

She explained that Roberts deliberately gave her the cold shoulder. This was a calculated move to help Preston’s performance in a tense scene.

The Reason Behind the On-Set Tension

According to Preston, Roberts approached her earlier that day. She gave the Elsbeth star a fair warning. Roberts said she would be mean for the rest of the day to set the right mood.

Preston was filming a difficult scene where her character is confronted. She had to cry on cue while Roberts’ character stared her down. The intentional distance from Roberts helped Preston access the needed vulnerability.

The strategy worked perfectly. Preston described it as a high-pressure but ultimately successful acting experience. The entire crew applauded after the scene was completed.

A Professional Gesture from a Seasoned Star

This incident highlights the professional techniques veteran actors use. Roberts’ action was not genuine malice but a tool for authenticity. It demonstrates a commitment to the craft that benefits the entire project.

For Preston, it was a memorable lesson in acting. She appreciated Roberts’ gracious and calculated approach. The story adds a new layer to understanding collaborative dynamics on a film set.

The account from Carrie Preston shows how deliberate on-set behavior can shape a performance. Julia Roberts’ strategic ‘meanness’ was a professional courtesy, not a personal slight. It ultimately resulted in a powerful scene for the film Duplicity.

Thought you’d like to know-

What movie were Carrie Preston and Julia Roberts filming?

The incident occurred during the filming of the 2009 corporate espionage movie *Duplicity*. The film was directed by Tony Gilroy and also starred Clive Owen.

Was this the first time they worked together?

No, they first worked together over a decade earlier on *My Best Friend’s Wedding*. That 1997 film was Preston’s first movie role.

What was the nature of the scene they filmed?

Preston’s character had slept with Roberts’ character’s boyfriend, played by Clive Owen. The scene required Preston to cry while under Roberts’ intense glare.

How did Preston react to Roberts’ warning?

Preston was grateful for the heads-up. She understood it was a technique to help her performance and found it effective for the emotional scene.

What was the outcome of the scene?

The scene went very well. After it was completed, Julia Roberts had the entire crew applaud Preston’s performance, making it a positive and cool moment.