MovieChat Forums > Friends with Money (2006) Discussion > Jennifer A.

Jennifer A.

posted 12 years ago by intofilm
10 replies | jump to latest

I would like to see if Jennifer Anniston can play any kind of role other than America's Sweetheart. Could she portray a character who is weak, or addicted, or manipulative, shallow, cruel, wicked, neurotic, scheming, criminal, or anything other than this continual character she always plays, trooping along bravely through life, trying to keep her hair out of her eyes as she portrays innocence and goodness, never sinking lower than the occasional snarky remark when under extreme provocation.

[–] puplover 12 years ago

I couldn't agree more. I have always felt the same about Julia Roberts, and now (I can barely get this name out...ugh) Katherine Heigl.

Being a (VERY!) struggling actress out here in LA myself, I have had this discussion w/ people: I can understand, as Aniston must feel, to want (need?) to be the STAR of every movie she is in and to make millions per movie and be treated like a queen. But, I always wonder WHY WHY she isn't bored out of her mind? I've felt that even more w/ Julia Roberts, who has literally being playing it safe for over 20 YEARS. I am truly baffled. It's not exciting for them at that level now, so it's not as if they think "wow, I'm on a movie set w/ a SPEAKING part!" (like I do, ha ha) It's another day at the office for them; so I am just stumped.

The answer I got from a friend was that Aniston/Roberts are scared. They are unsure of their talent and aren't willing to take a risk; as they would have very far to fall. That's the closest thing that makes sense to me.

I recall reading an interview w/ Charlize Theron when she was promoting "Monster" and she said she could not tolerate one more movie, where she had no challenge. She said she was so bored and was gonna quit if she didn't do something frightening and totally off kilter for her. (Paraphrasing.) So what is it in her that is willing to do that?

I would PAY to see the movie where ol' Jen or Julia played a heroin-addicted German housewife having a breakdown. Wouldn't you?

[–] intofilm 12 years ago

Wow, I appreciate this response. I was expecting an attack by the throngs of Jennifer A. fans. I also agree with the other two actresses you mentioned. I've actually got to the point I can hardly bear to watch either one of them, but especially Julia Roberts, simply because she's been doing it for SO LONG, although I think she is more talented than the other two. I agree it would be great to see them in the kind of role you described, or even just being really evil and mean. Maybe they aren't bored with playing these roles because they aren't intelligent enough to feel the need of something deeper. Or it could be they are just unwilling to take a chance, as you said.
Of course, Charlize Theron in "Monster" was like a miraculous phenomenon, the way she totally became that character. It was a transformation like is seldom seen in film, compared to the usual sexy glamor girl she has played.
I remember Harrison Ford being interviewed on Good Morning America, promoting yet another movie where he is the Good Guy and the interviewer asked, "Why dont you play villans?" He said, "that isn't my cultural utility."

I hope you have success in your career in Hollywood, and get the chance to play the roles you want.

[–] dini0519 12 years ago

Jen's role in Horrible Bosses last summer was a little racier than what she usually does, but it wasn't dramatic, it was comedic instead. However, still a change from America's sweetheart.
Dini

[–] puplover 12 years ago

IntoFilm: you're welcome and believe A LOT of people feel the same way. AND, funny, I actually thought the reason for her or Julia's lack of "trying" is a lesser "drive" or a lesser intellect that makes them content w/ what they do. So, there is that theory. Although I'm still baffled.

Brilliant response by Harrison Ford: basically he's saying no one wants to see him as a villian, they want Harrison Ford the Hero. I can understand him thinking that. I suppose speaking of Jen and Julia, since they literally play the same character over and over and over and over w/ different clothes (please, no "The Good Girl" anyone, she didn't go at all deep enough for that) how is it they cannot be bored to tears. Lord, I hope no one says 25 million a pic. Because they are USED to that. Tom Hanks said once "How many 5 stars restaurants can you go to?"

So hmmm...

That's probably why when I first saw Hilary Swank in Boys don't Cry, I was blown out of my mind by that performance: that's guts, that's acting. She may not reach that again, but she tries to find varied roles to do at least.

[–] scruplesindisguise 12 years ago

I disagree that she's scared...I think it's simply a Hollywood playing it safe, like they do with many actors and actresses. They know she plays that role well, so they'll keep casting her for it. I think she's got much more potential - I've never seen her act badly. I think she's very good in fact - further, underused (in search of a better word)! The film that springs to mind for me, in terms of taking a risk, is Derailed. She was good in it, but the casting seemed random; perhaps that's why that thriller route stopped there..?

I think she has far more potential than she conveys, but she's become a romcom face now, and I don't think we'll see anything more than that.

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[–] artistathome 12 years ago

Julia Roberts is certainly not a very good actress. I think she is just herself in movies. She is a personality.

jen Anniston is same way, however, The Good Girl was a good movie and she did ok in it. I think she should be in ensemble movies from now on and see if some breakout role comes thru.

meg Ryan is another one who never made it in the serious world of acting. and now she is doing not much.

[–] thepartydjz 11 years ago

Anniston is NOT an actress, she simply does not act.

[–] dogma66605 11 years ago

She is not America's sweetheart in this, or in "The Good Girl." I don't really see what people are talking about here. Yeah, she should play against type more often, but don't say she never has. She's a pathetic, loner pot head in this movie who calls ex boyfriends and hangs up, and steals from department stores. She is not portrayed as likeable at all. Did you even watch this movie?

[–] fanaticita 10 years ago

I like Jennifer A., but she needs to stretch her acting muscles.

[–] dannecurrell 9 years ago

I agree, and loved her character in this movie. Very flawed and played 'ugly', if that is the right word.