Let’s clear up one little thing . . .
I love difference of opinion. Wouldn’t life be boring if we were all the same? So some (read: many) in the blogosphere have decided that given the modest performance of The Switch at the box office this weekend, the time has come to dissect Jen’s career choices. And while I firmly believe that a woman with the level of success that Jen has had knows far more about the business than I ever will, others do see fit to offer their unsolicited advice, and the fact that I think that it will fall on deaf ears is really neither here nor there.
What has come to irk me is one particular argument that comes up time and again. One based on a glaring factual inaccuracy. Some may simply be mistaken on this, and others may believe that if they say it often enough, or in ALL CAPS, that will eventually make it true. Not so. Not when photographic and video evidence contradicting your statement is readily available to all. One exception may prove the rule, but four (or more) undermines it a bit, wouldn’t you think?
The rule in question?
“Jen doesn’t change her hair for a role. Ever.”
Now, to be fair, she does sometimes use wigs or other temporary means to achieve a different look, but the bottom line is that contrary to this oft-repeated argument, she actually does look quite different in some roles. The following list is not meant to be exhaustive – rather, just a handful of the different looks she’s sported in character.
Derailed This one’s the real deal. For her role as the sexy, mysterious Lucinda Harris, Jen dyed her locks quite a bit darker than usual.
Management Jen wigged out for this one – to look the part for her role as Sue Claussen in Management, Jen wore this short, dark wig.
Marley & Me To play Jenny Grogan in Marley & Me, Jen wore bangs. There’s some debate about this one – even though it’s widely believed that the fringe was just a clip-on hairpiece, Jen’s mane man Chris says it was for real. Hmmmm . . .
Horrible Bosses Jen was recently snapped on the set (pics at X17 Online) looking radically different, with long dark hair and bangs. I’m presuming that’s a wig, since she’s been back to her blonde locks for her recent press tour, but you cannot look at that and say that she always looks the same!
Ok. Rant over. Whew.
