Who Could Play You
“Tis’ better to live your own life imperfectly than to imitate someone else’s perfectly.”
Elizabeth Gilbert, from Eat Pray Love.
The question “Who would play you in a movie?” is one my girlfriends and I have explored ad naseum. (The general consensus for me is Sarah Jessica Parker. Personally, I like the idea of Kate Hudson.) In Eat Pray Love, Julia Roberts is cast to play journalist Elizabeth Gilbert. Of the film and casting choice, Gilbert told Oprah Winfrey: “It’s essentially like this amazing director and this great actress and this cinematographer got together and made me a home movie of my year’s journey. But they Photoshopped me out and replaced me with somebody with really amazing skin and 36-inch legs. Who wouldn’t love that?”
Do you think Roberts is a good casting choice for Gilbert? Have you ever thought about who would play you in a movie of your life? Why do you think this person is a good fit? And who would you want to play the role of your leading man?
Marissa Stapley is a freelance writer, editor, and author who lives in Toronto. Her first novel, Saving the World (in Sensible Shoes) will be released by Key Porter Books in Spring 2011. www.marissastapley.com
85 Responses to Who Could Play You
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I would like Jennifer Anniston to play me because I think she is pretty and a good actress. Of course who else but Brad Pitt would play my leading man.
I would love Drew Barrymore to play me in a movie someday- so fun!
I think Julia Roberts is a perfect fit to play Elizabeth Gilbert – there are very few actresses who can be onscreen in every scene of a movie and still be well-liked by the audience. I think Sandra Bullock would play me in a movie about my life – she seems very down-toi-earth. As for my leading man? That’s a tough one. I don’t know that actor exists yet 😉 but if I have to choose, maybe Paul Rudd.
I think Julia Roberts is a great fit for Gilbert since I think Julia Roberts is great in all movies she is in. I would pick her to play me as I really like her personality and think mine is similar — outgoing, friendly and caring person. I’d pick Richard Gere to be my leading man.
I think Julia Roberts is a terrible choice for the role of Elizabeth Gilbert. She is simply too overexposed and with a phenomenally popular book, millions of people have a certain impression of the female lead as an average Jane. The studio should have gone with an unknown or little known actress. The book has enough of a following that a big name lead was unnecessary for box office success.
I don’t know why you think the lead was a plain Jane. I didn’t get that from reading the book!
who could play me? good question.. do you pick your age now or when you were younger.. I like Julie Roberts for my younger years because of her gorgeous and infectious smile and laugh.. for my age now I am not sure.. I am thinking it could be Jane Fonda, because of her role as the possessive mother , which could very well be me at times.. A casting director would probably be better at picking.
I would probably have Lucy Liu play me. She is simple but chic, can be very opinionated when she wants to be. A dynamic and independant woman and actress. My movie star alter ego 🙂
I’d love to play ME in a movie about ME. How great would that be?
I think the best person to play me in a movie about my life would be someone fun, who likes to laugh, a lot! and someone who is a little insecure about herself, but works very hard not to show it. My fiance thinks Charleze Theron would be the best actress, because he thinks I look a little like her. He said we are both beautiful… Needless to say, I am more in love with him now after he said that because I definatley don’t think I look the least bit like Charleze, and I think she is absolutely stunning!
Thank you for making me think about this question! This just made my day!
I think that I look exactly like Angela Jolie… except she’s hotter, more fit and with alot of property… and kids…
Other than that we are alot alike… she could play me… It could be farm girl meets tomb raider… I can see this making millions.
Julia is a fantastic pick! As for my story on the screen, I would pick Zhang Ziyi. And leading man… Paul Rudd hands down.
Do you think Roberts is a good casting choice for Gilbert? — hope so; I don’t read books unless a movie has been made first.
Have you ever thought about who would play you in a movie of your life? — I’d pick Meryl Streep
Why do you think this person is a good fit? — her beauty flows from within and she seems very grounded. i like to think i’m grounded — plus, she’d make a film of my life completely watchable.
And who would you want to play the role of your leading man? — Steve McQueen
I think Julia Roberts is a good casting choice for Gilbert because she is a awesome, beautiful, talented actress that really brings any movie to life. Any of her movies are really good, the way she connects with her characters is simply amazing-I wish I was as talented as she is.
The person that I would chose to play me in a movie would be Selena Gomez. I choose Selena because she is a really goos actress, shes funny, kind, and no matter what anyone says bout her she keeps going like nothing happend. Also because the way she sticks up for her friends is cool.
And for my leading man maybe Taylor Lautner would be nice-lets face it, I would rather he be my leading man in real life- becuase of his determination and his looks (don’t mean to sound shallow).
I think Rosanne Barr would be a perfect fit for me (or I her ), funny, down to earth, laid back, protective when needs to be, and John Goodman would be my perfect hubby. ; )
Julia is great in every movie she does!
I would love for Alexis Bledel, Natalie Portman or Claire Danes to play me and wow, who would play the leading man…Josh Holloway, Adrian Brody, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Ryan Gosling…oh sorry am I only supposed to pick one?
I think Tina Fey would play me in a movie about my life. I think she is a good fit because she’s quirkly like me as for leading man I’d say Robert Downey Jr, because he’s quirky as well, plus if you saw them spar at the Oscars they were the best thing about it this past year.
I think Julia Roberts will do a fine job, was she a good choice? it’s difficult for me to say because I have never seen anything with Gilbert in it, and I have a hard time seeing Julia Roberts as anything but Julia.
I would love for Kiera Knightley to play me! She’s hardworking, dedicated and looks gorgeous. But I don’t know who I would want as my leading man. I still haven’t found one in real life!
I think I would pick Meryl Streep to play me if we were choosing for appearance. I always remember her in Bridges of Madison County so maybe that is why. Of course character wise I would want someone just a tad eccentric as that is the loving term my sister has for me.
I would love Drew Barrymore to play me because I have identified with her for a number of years. We are the same age and I love the zest for live that she has.
I have not read the book YET, but I plan to so I am not sure aboutthe fit.
My leading man would be Ryan Renolds (good Canadian boy). I still need to find the real leading man though.
I think Julia is a great choice for her. I would like Jennifer garner to play me- she is pretty and normal- hard to find in hollywood!
i think julia roberts is a great pick for this movie. I love the how she acts and give a persona to the characters she play. To play me : i would like it to be alexis bledel, great actress and I think I identify with her the most. Love her acting
Definitely Tina Fey would play me – who else could pull off dark comedy but her?
i haven’t yet read the book, but from what i know of its content, i think julia is a good choice. she’s got that loveable, real quality to her.
if someone were to play me in a movie…i would have to say it would be zooey deschanel!
I think Julia Roberts is a great choice. I think the only actress that might even resemble me is Elizabeth Shue. As for leading man….Bradley Cooper!
I think Julia Roberts made a good fit. She’s expressive and has always been able to play the role of “restless and in desperate need of change”. She’s tenacious!
The actress I’d pick to play me would probably be Sandra Bullock. She has such a wide spectrum of talents. She can be funny, and she can be dramatic, and she shows emotion so well. I think she’d really get across to the audience what my life is like.
For my leading man… well, he’s nothing like my real-life leading man but heck, this is Hollywood! I’d pick Johnny Depp.
Do you think Roberts is a good casting choice for Gilbert?
I read this novel and really related to the character.
I honestly am afraid to see the movie, I really dont know who would be the best fit for this character.
Who could play me in a movie? Rachel McAdams.
I think Julia is the best ever choice to play Gilbert. I honestly cannot think of a better actress to play that role although come to think of it perhaps others could have played it differently like Kate Winslet.
As for who might play my life… I’ve never even thought of that. It would have to be someone really adventurous, athletic and a high achiever. Maybe Hillary Swank although she’s a bit skinny but she looked strong in Million Dollar Baby.
I think Julia Roberts is a really good match for the books lead character. Many times in reading this booked I related so closely to the character and her emotional journey that I laughed, cried, and experienced other emotions out loud. Knowing how Julia Robert’s laughs alone makes me think of the moments that I pictured Elizabeth Gilbert laughing and changing/growing while reading the book. She also has an amazing down to earth relatable quality to her even on the big screen.
I think Anna Paquin would be the perfect match to play me in a film – quirky, kinda shy and a little different, plus she is Canadian too!
I think Juia is perect for this part, I love her in every thing she does, the only other actress I wuld choose is Sandy Bullock, she is me, out and out, just she is taller and a little better looking, but Heck it is Hollywood so yeah she could be me.
Love ya Julia but Sandy is better looking an more ” Normal” in her personal life, she wears her socks the same way we do.
I think Kerri Russell should play me. We both have crazy curly hair and she seems to be a very sincere actress
I think Julia Roberts is ideal for the role because she’s the right age for this particular part. If someone had to play me? – likely Renée Zellweger would be ideal (the slightly overweight one aka Bridget Jones) and the leading man would have to be Antonio Banderas – both have incredible range as actose.
I would pick me to play myself; and most definitely Roberts to play my wife.
I would want Charleze Theron to play me because she is a natural for me and the leading man is Mel Gibson.
Charleze’s would understand the emotions that I went through and Mel Gibson would match her as a perfect couple to defy and make one’s own decision to face what may come!
Shummai
From the trailers I’ve seen, Julia roberts seems perfect for the roll! bravo! good luck to her!
Hope she wins awards too!
I think Julia Roberts is an awesome choice, as she portrays “Peace” well and can have tremendous energy as well. I think Meryl Streep would portray me well as she has a similar personality to mine. But she would need to wear a lot of padding! 🙂 I think my leading man would be Australian actor Bryan Brown as he looks so much like my husband and has a similar personality.
I absolutely LOVE Julia Roberts! She’s my all-time favourite actress. HOWEVER, after reading the book, I am not sure if she’s the right person to play the part. I think a less exposed actress would have been a better fit, maybe even someone who hasn’t made a name for herself. The reason why I thought the book was so great was because I could identify with the author……I’m really having a hard time finding similarities between myself and Julia. Regardless, I LOVE Julia so it will be hard to dislike any movie she’s in, and I’m looking forward to the movie.
Someone to play me in the story of my life? I think Nia Long would be great…and my leading man? Either Taye Diggs or Larenz Tate..
i love julia roberts , and she would play me at all!
I think Julia Roberts is a great pick for Eat, Pray, Love. I am really looking forward to seeing her portrayal of Elizabeth Gilbert.
I would love to have Kate Winslet play me. My life isn’t too exciting and only she could make it watchable. My leading man would be Adam Beach!
I like Julia Roberts in most roles so she should be good in this one as well. Brad Pitt would definitely be my leading man. Maybe the best way to get him would be to have Angelina play me. 🙂
I think Julia Roberts is the perfect person for Eat, Pray, Love. I would want Meryl Streep to play me in that movie. Her serious but also humerous casting roles and the way she approaches life is just like me.
I think Kate Winslet would be a good choice to play me – and if you knew me you would understand why she would be such a good choice. Do I think JR is a good choice for EPL? I dunno – I haven’t read the book yet. I think I will though before I see the movie. It looks fantastic!
I probably would not have picked Roberts to play the lead if she were not already cast. But I hope she does well because I really enjoyed the book. I would play myself in a movie if I could but I suppose Lucy Liu would be someone that could play me.
Julie is a natural to play this part… but I also think that Jennifer Aniston would have been great too as they are both so natural and acting is effortless for them.. or it appears that way ! For my life… I would have to go with Sandra Bullock as she is naturally funny and that is how I live my life. Plus.. my name is Sandra too!!
Julia Robert is the perfect for this roll I would not change anyone, she is so naturally funny and so into her character and she always make me smile with her big smile, and I would like Lucy Liu to play me.
In truth and this will sound corny but…ever since I was 20 everybody around me has said how much I look like Julia Roberts to be honest, I think it’s ’cause of my big mouth and thick hair LOL oh yeah and I’m 6’1 hahaha. So I would be honoured and a bit mortified I think to have Ms. Robert’s play me in a movie.
This story is one that touches home for me. I’m in the process of reading E.P.L and I can’t get over how similar the feeling of starting over is with Ms. Gilbert. It was scary and exciting and of course sooo amazing!
I think Roseanne Barr would play me in a movie about my life. i’ve been told that we kind of look alike and we seem to share the same sense of wacky humor. As for my leading man, it would have to be Andy Garcia because he is handsome like my husband and some people are surprised to see us 2 together.
I think certainly think that no one but myself could possibly play me, but definitely I think that many actresses are people I look up to. Essentially, any actress can play me.
I think a mixture of Angelina Jolie (crazy spirit) and Winona Ryder (dark features) could play me.
I think Julie Roberts fits the part to a tee.
I think Julia Roberts is a great choice–an amazing actress, yet not so ridiculously glamourous as to make her unbelieveable in the role.
For myself, if a movie were ever to be made about me, I’d want Kate Winslet to play the role.
Meryll Streep could play me because I love her so much and George Clooney could be my leading man
I would choose Renée Zellweger to play me in the story of life- I love Juia Roberts and have no date that she does a fabulous job in Eat Pray and Love. I have yet to read this book yet – but it is on my list!
i love julia roberts!! my faves are pretty woman and runaway bride! she is an excellent actress can’t wait to see eat pray love!!
I have always been a fan of Julia Roberts and look forward to this new movie Eat Pray Love,I have always loved true stories. If I had to choose someone to play me in a movie, I might choose Angelina Jolie, or even Julia Roberts just cause of there open attitude and they don’t take crap from no one, that to me would be a good fit! I may not have 36 inch legs, but no one has to know that.
But I do think Julia would be a good fit for a true story, she did well in Erin Brocovich, another one I loved of hers.
I’ve loved Julia Roberts forever! There’s no doubt in my mind she’s the perfect person for this part in “Eat Pray Love”. I can’t wait to see the movie!!!!!
Choosing a person to play me made me think like crazy. I have to admit I’m kind of stealing someone else’s “person”. It would definetley have to be Renee Zellweger. Not now that she’s tiny teeny skinny but when she played her role in “Bridget Jones Diary”. Her shy, quiet and imperfect personality and body is ME.
I absolutely love Julia Roberts and when I found out that she would be starring in this movie, Eat Pray Love, I was so excited. I read the book last year and my plan this weekend is to actually read it again. I can’t wait to see the movie. I’m sure she did a great job, as always. As for someone to play me in a movie, it’s a bit of a tough question for me – as good of an actress they may be, I think I would choose someone that I could relate to “behind the scenes”, how they really live their lives on a daily basis AND not according to what the tabloids say!! But my top faves are Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Aniston, and Eva Longoria…just to name a few!! = )
I absolutely love Julia Roberts. She is one of the most classiest ladies in Hollywood today. I saw a wax statue of her at Madame Tussaudsd in Las Vegas that was an absolutly breath taking likeness of her. I had several pic’s taken of me with her. I would just love to meet her and I can’t wait to see the movie. I’m sure she did a awesome job. Hmmmmmmm someone to play me in a movie……my top picks would have to be be Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock.
I think Julia Roberts is so appropriate for this movie. I dont know what it is, but she looks like she’s the right fit!
I don’t think my life is interesting enough for a movie; at least yet. But if in the future, I take on an adventure, I would have to choose Sandra Bullock. I recently watched The Blind Side and I was absolutely breath-taken by her acting skills. She portrayed Leigh-Anne so well, and I would like someone to accurately portray myself in a movie.
I would have to choose Drew BArrymore…she is very relaxed and free-spirited….I think she would do a great job as she has always been one of my favourite actresses. She captures the true emotions, in every role she gets.
She would do a great job in capturing the roller-coaster ride of my life……..
Julia Roberts is a fabulous actress. I find her performances inspiring, as she gets so deeply involved in her roles.
We are all given individual lives, minds, hearts, souls… yet so many seek to be like someone else… I hope the movie inspires me to seek my destiny!
GREAT STORY LINE~
I think Julia is perfect for this role. What I pictured in my head while I read the book fits with her as an actress. I’m so excited to see the movie!
As for who would play me in a movie of my life, I would’ve chosed Lindsay Lohan before she went crazy, but since she DID go crazy, I’ll go with Amy Adams, although she wouldn’t capture the spunk I like to think I have like Lindsay would have. :o)
I truly enjoy Julia Roberts movies. Pretty Woman especially. Looking forward to seeing Eat Pray, Love
with my 2 girlfriends. Love true stories
Who would play me in a movie? I’d have to go with Christina Applegate. Why? Because she is a fighter! As am I. She has fought a tough battle with Cancer and I have had a long fight with my health in my life as well. I think having someone that has actually been through a similar experience as you PLAY you would be the best choice. They could take from their experience and put it into the role to relate to you. I think Julia Roberts does a great job of channeling the character in all her roles, just look at Erin Brockovich…she was the perfect choice for that. As she probably is for EAT , PRAY and LOVE! Can’t wait to see it! If nothing else to catch some marvelous EYE CANDY with JAVIER:)
Oh and I forgot to mention…HUGH JACKMAN as my ultimate leading man. HE has it all. The only man for me. Kind, funny an amazing attitude, mind body and soul. And he is sooooooooooooo cute and ripped. His accent doesn’t hurt either! Something about a man with an accent! That is why I love Gerard Butler as well. But HUGH IS MY ULTIMATE.
I love Julia Roberts. She is pure class. A great actress & mom. I can’t wait too see the movie. I would have Rachel McAdams play me in my lifestory. She is down to earth and has the acting chops to pull off my life. Lol.
Loved Julia in Pretty Woman, but who could play me?
Catherine Zeta Jones… she’s got the fire and the looks when I was young. Definitely!
Would love to get tickets to see this romance. Also I am Spanish and Javier is dishy.
I loved reading “Eat, Pray, Love”, but I have to say I was disappointed to hear that Julia Roberts would be playing the lead. I absolutely love her as an actress, but it’s like the author of the book said, “… they Photoshopped me out and replaced me with somebody with really amazing skin and 36-inch legs. [Who wouldn’t love that?]” I was hoping for someone a little less ‘perfect’ to play Elizabeth Gilbert, someone more relatable. As for who would play me – I’d go with Ellen Page (most recently seen in ‘Inception’). We’ve got the same physical stature, she’s got a dead-pan wit that I love, and judging by her interviews she’s the kind of person you could hang out with and have interesting conversations. Of course, she’s also a marvelous actress.
Although, come to think of it… Maggie Gyllenhaal would be more age appropriate, with all the same pluses as Ellen Page and a couple ‘o years more experience to boot 😉
When I saw the trailer for Eat Pray Love and saw Julia Roberts playing Elizabeth I was so excited. I dont think there could be a better person to have been picked to play Elizabeth she is smart, witty and even in some physical aspects resembles Liz herself. With that said if I had to pick someone to play me in a movie it would have to be Kristen Bell. Ive seen many of her movies and I can relate to all of her characters in one form or another. Kristen seems down to earth and very refreshing and she seems to be the type of person I could sit back and laugh with. As for my leading man I would have to go with Gerard Butler he seems like he would be one of those guys that you would want to meet travelling somewhere, he also has a great smile too!
Having Julia Roberts play you in a movie is sort of like the mecca of movie portrayals! Lucky Elizabeth Gilbert, that’s for sure – although I’ve seen a photo and the resemblance is there, plus Julia Roberts does a good ‘plucky everywoman’ which is what this role needs.
If I had to pick someone to play me, I’d probably pick Alexis Bledel. We somewhat look alike (although I’m desperately envious of her insane eyes), but more accurately we have the same mannerisms. Many a person in my life has informed me I am Rory Gilmore. My leading man? Well my guy often gets told he looks like Matt Damon or Taylor Lautner, so probably one of those two, although it’s hard to picture them with Alexis!
I am so looking forward to this movie…I love Julia Roberts as an actress and think she is perfect for this movie.
Who would play me in a movie about my life? I am not sure…maybe Hillary Swank, I loved her in PS I Love You; a little reserved but welcomes new experiences…perfect if she would play me. My leading man would have to be Gerard Butler…he is so hot!
I am really looking forward to seeing this movie and have heard nothing but rave reviews about the book; I need to read it but don’t know if I will have a chance to before I see the movie. I love stories like this because it reinforces the fact that we all come upon difficulties as we journey through life….
My sisters and I once had a discussion as to who would be a good choice to portray us in a movie and my choice is Janeane Garofalo; a little off-beat but tough when needing to be and always good at getting others to laugh and just be who they are…
I would choose to play me the girl who plays Ugly Betty, what’s here name again?…Mmmm, nope can’t remember at all. Anyways, I like here, she’s simple, naturel; a better me in a way!
I really loved Julia Roberts so far in every role.She is pretty,gentle and very feminine.I am not sure who would be the best fit.some people told me Juliette Binoche would be very suitable for my character.
I am looking forward to see the movie.
I enjoy Julia Roberts movies she is an excellent actress. Pretty Woman especially. Looking forward to seeing Eat Pray, Love with my girlfriends. Love true stories
As I read this book and read Elizabeth’s descriptions of herself I can totally see Julia Roberts as her. Julia can play glamorous to everyday and I think she will do a wonderful justice to this book.
– Who would play me? well I am not sure, they only one that could master this hair would be Bernadette Peters. 🙂
– My leading man would need to be Tall dark and handsome like my husband 🙂
I thought Julia Roberts was a terrible choice for this role! She is not demure or self-possessed like Elizabeth. To me, she’s just another Jennifer Aniston – playing herself, and not a character. All I can picture is her laughing that huge loud laugh with her horse face.
I’d love to have Cher play me. Maybe 30 years ago. 🙂
I have read that excellent inspiring and soul seeking book ” Eat Pray and Love”….and I am equally excited to see the performances of both Julia Roberts and also Zavier Bardem…..but in all honesty Julia is not properly cast for this character….yes she is the all american woman that everyone loves to see with her big bright smile of hers on camera, yes she is charismatic and does has super great acting skills for this role, but she is too old for that particuliar part. I would have cast perhaps someone more youthful say like Natalie Portman….she’s so versatile, strong yet angelic and spirited…or Drew Barrymore, Rachel MacAdams, even Hillary Swank or Kate Hudson have this light childlike energy that is contagious to watch…again I’m sure Julia will capture the essence of the role…just not as appropriate as the real character in the novel.
If I would have someone play me in this role one of my favorite actresses of all time is Juliette Binouche or even Marion Coutillard would do an excellent job as she marvelously did in ” La Vie en Rose”…and even “NINE”
This film will surely leave many people happy and genuinely pleased~~~ can’t wait to see it!!!!
Cheers 🙂
I think they would cast Angela Jolie to play me … I like to think of myself as a brunette bombshell too!!!
Elizabeth Gilbert is a great writer. I hope all the hype and unfortunate negative backlash that I’ve read about the film, will not negate this important fact. I was greatly disappointed when Julia Roberts was cast as Elizabeth. This book is special to me and casting Julia Roberts is purely a money making decision. She clearly is not the character of Elizabeth. My ultimate choice for the character would be myself. I’m an actress, mostly unknown and perfect for the role. I can feel this role. This is one instance where casting an unknown would have worked because Julia Roberts is such a powerful celebrity presence that its always Julia we are watching. Never a character. This book became famous enough in its own right that it would have sold itself on its own merit. Here’s to a chance in the future…
Uma Thurman!!!! Because we look a like!
I would choose Cate Blanchett. She’s powerful yet feminine which is how I see myself. As for the male lead, Mark Ruffalo… after watching his diverse acting abilities from ’13 Going on 30′ and ‘the Kids are Alright’, there is no question of him being that male role. Could be interesting…Cate Blanchett with Mark Ruffalo in a movie..hmmm
After much thought, I would choose Sandra Bullock to play me in a story about my life as she is an amazing actress! I loved her in “While You Were Sleeping” and “The Blind Side”. She is a caring and compassionate woman but also has a certain vulnerabililty about her which I admire. I also love Julia Roberts and am looking forward to seeing “Eat, Pray, Love”.
Oddly enough – I do not look like her but I think Laura Linney would be my choice for my movie. She is delightful and so very talented an actress that I would love to see her in scrubbed up in the OR in a patient advocate role in a serious drama. The leading man, that would be Ed Harris. Julia Roberts is a nice choice for Eat Pray Love, would have liked someone like Rachel Weiss or Liv Tyler better I think.