Everybody knows her as America's sweetheart. But when Jennifer Aniston took her role in a film entry at the Toronto International Film Festival, the golden girl temporarily dropped all traces of rom-com aura and switched it to a role of someone plagued by rage issues, suicidal depression, and pill addiction.
In the movie titled "Cake", Jennifer plays the character of Claire Simmons who was left to deal with massive chronic pain and personal issues after a vicious accident (via People.com). Joining her in the ranks of cast is Anna Kendrick and Sam Worthington.
When asked about her opinion on her latest role, the Golden Globe winning actress described it as "way beyond a dream role." "She basically has to decide whether she wants to live or die. The woman's journey is so heartbreaking but so uplifting, because she's gone through a trauma but maintains her wit, which is very endearing," Aniston shared to Variety. She went on saying that the shooting left her physically and emotionally stressed that she had to spend weekends seeing a chiropractor and getting massages to maintain her sanity, Mstarz dishes.
The indie film by Director Daniel Barnz and producer Ben Barnz came into fruition very fast. The two supposedly discovered the script by first-timer Patrick Tobin in a screenwriting contest 13 months ago and immediately met with Jennifer last November. Filming formally started on April 3 and finishing touches were added just a few weeks ago.
Upon reading the script, the 45-year old actress said that she knew she was going to take it because it was a big opportunity "to express empathy" for such character. "It's awesome and liberating to let that all go... And see yourself looking like that on a 50-foot screen."
Jennifer's performance earned her a standing ovation during the Toronto premiere, causing tongues to immediately start wagging about a potential award. Moreover, even the actress seems very upbeat about her newest project which she described as "the little indie that could."
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