I know that I have been characterized on this blog as an unabashed Julia Roberts lover. And you know what? I take that mantle happily. I agree that I could find something to like about almost everything she does.
But in this Wall Street Journal article, ostensibly to promote The Normal Heart, I buy every single thing that she’s saying. I’m down for all of it. Because everything has the ring of authenticity to it. I’m a cynic, sure, almost by trade. But when it’s real, it’s real – I can tell the difference – and Julia Roberts’ story seems to have the ring of truth to it.
Her house is described as “surprisingly modest”. Sure, I buy that. When you’re as endlessly wealthy as she is, why do you need to show off about it? Have what you need, buy anything else, job done.
She says she would now always rather be part of an ensemble, movie-wise, and I buy this without question, too. If you’re the lead you make the most, but see above where she has all she could ever need. She doesn’t need any more press or attention, either, so no worries there. Being in an ensemble is the fun part of making movies. You get to play/work with other people, and then you all go to dinner. No wonder she had fun on August: Osage County. When you’re the star, you have to get there before everyone else and stay long after they’re gone. You don’t get a chance to hang out, to make friends. This is why people say stardom is lonely, and then they break into the chorus from a Britney song.
I do wish she hadn’t answered the question about her sister. I don’t know what we gain by knowing that Roberts, like all of us, is a human who experiences pain. It’s not that I don’t know it to be true, but I’m not sure it added anything to the interview.
The one thing I don’t buy is that she doesn’t have more projects lined up. She could have, in a second. Even though the story of how opening weekends work now is confounding to her, she could have projects out the door. What I do buy is that she doesn’t have something she’s truly excited about lined up and ready to go. That she has the luxury of waiting until something else comes along that makes her truly excited. But she doesn’t brag about that either.
Just admit it. She’s perfect.
(Lainey: there it is. That’s your invitation to yell at Duana. Ha!)
Click here to read the full interview at the Wall Street Journal.
