Julia Roberts, a name synonymous with glamour and elegance, took on a completely different look for her role as Barbara Weston in the 2013 film August: Osage County. Known for her striking red carpet appearances and graceful presence in Hollywood, Roberts surprised many when she appeared on screen in a much more subdued, almost unrecognizable style. Filming in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, she embraced a more grounded, everyday appearance, donning a wardrobe that contrasted sharply with her usual Hollywood chic. Gone were the flowing gowns and high heels, replaced instead with jeans, layered tops, and a wardrobe of dowdy, more practical attire. A simple blue shirt and brown flared trousers, paired with her hair pulled back into a ponytail, marked the transformation.
This change in Roberts’ look was not just a matter of wardrobe but also served to bring a new depth to her performance. The character of Barbara Weston in August: Osage County required an emotional intensity and complexity that would resonate with audiences. Roberts, stripped of her usual glamour, had the opportunity to show her incredible range as an actress. The character, dealing with a turbulent family situation, demanded more than just the typical beauty and poise associated with Roberts; it called for raw emotion and vulnerability. And in this role, Roberts delivered, impressing both critics and audiences with her ability to dive into a character that was far removed from her usual roles.
While Roberts’ transformation in appearance garnered attention, she wasn’t the only notable casting choice in the film. August: Osage County brought together an ensemble cast of talented actors, each bringing their unique skills to the table. Among them was Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his roles in Sherlock and The Imitation Game, who portrayed Little Charles Aiken. Cumberbatch’s nuanced performance complemented Roberts’ own, with both actors creating a dynamic portrayal of complicated family dynamics.
Of course, the film would not have been complete without Meryl Streep, who played the formidable Violet Weston, the family matriarch. Streep’s commanding presence on screen provided a perfect counterbalance to Roberts’ more understated portrayal of Barbara. The two actresses, each a powerhouse in her own right, created a compelling portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship that was both poignant and fraught with tension.
Behind the scenes, August: Osage County had its own casting drama. Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were initially considered for various roles in the film. However, scheduling conflicts led to Riseborough’s departure, and Juliette Lewis stepped in to portray Karen Weston, Barbara’s troubled sister. In another interesting twist, Chloë Grace Moretz auditioned for the role of Jean Fordham, Barbara’s daughter, but it was ultimately Abigail Breslin who was chosen for the part. Breslin, known for her breakout role in Little Miss Sunshine, brought a youthful energy and depth to the role, adding another layer to the already complex family dynamics portrayed in the film.
Ultimately, August: Osage County became a critical success, not just because of its powerhouse performances but also because of the depth each actor brought to their role. Julia Roberts’ departure from her usual glamorous look, paired with the incredible performances from her co-stars, elevated the film into a story about more than just family secrets—it became a narrative about the complexities of relationships, emotional healing, and the struggle to move forward.
This film serves as a reminder that sometimes, stepping away from one’s signature image can lead to the most profound artistic expressions. Julia Roberts, stripped of her usual glitz and glamour, found new emotional depth in Barbara Weston, proving once again that great actors have the ability to transform in ways that are both unexpected and unforgettable.
