If there is one person that you can count on during the production of a film, it is Uma Thurman. The actress has become known for embodying stage presence; it is difficult for her not to leave an impression on the audience, even if she is in a supporting or insignificant role. This seems to have been the case even before she gained a name for herself, leaving lasting impressions on her audience and producers.
While many believe that Quentin Tarantino kick-started her iconic career in the film industry, the true origins can be traced almost a decade before she starred in 1994’s Pulp Fiction. More specifically, Thurman first played a notable role in 1988’s Dangerous Liaisons, helmed by British director Stephen Frears.
However, it would seem that this role almost went to several other actresses, all of whom could not have done what Thurman did.
Sarah Jessica Parker was almost cast in Dangerous Liaisons
Before playing the lead lady in iconic films, Uma Thurman played the role of Cécile in Stephen Frears’ Dangerous Liaisons. Portrayed as a naive teenager in both the novel and the film, she embodies the emotional gravity of the film. With the film representing the cruelties that accompany aristocratic rule, manipulation, and its consequences, one can imagine that a naive girl is not treated fairly in the film.
With all of the hardships that she faces because of her trusting nature, she is just a pawn in the game of everyone around her, and naturally, she comes out of the film broken. Considering this, one can imagine that the actress who was supposed to play such a character would have to be very good.
It would seem that when auditions and casting were being done for the film, many big names were thrown around. According to Stylist, Drew Barrymore auditioned for the role but seemingly didn’t get it. In addition to her, it would also seem that Sarah Jessica Parker, best known for Sex and the City, was also offered the role.
Interestingly enough, she rejected the offer, and then it ultimately went to Thurman. Although many circumstances can cause such things to happen, one cannot help but wonder if it was fated.
No one could have done what Uma Thurman did
When one thinks of Uma Thurman, they are reminded of graphic and violent films like the Kill Bill duology and Pulp Fiction. However, before she gained a reputation as a hardcore actress, it was Dangerous Liaisons that put her name out there. Rather than being covered in blood or turned hypersexual, her character in the film was the exact opposite.
She played a level of childishness in this role. She had innocence and a youthfulness in every expression, but there were layers of erotic tension in her performance. Not only did this work excellently well in adding to the storyline, but the juxtaposition between these two archetypes and their existence within the same character made the viewers uncomfortable.
While Sarah Jessica Parker is a well-known actress and iconic in her own right, she brings something entirely different to the table. Where Thurman’s innocence seems ethereal and almost fetishized, Jessica Parker’s seems more quirky and neurotic. This would have made her complex feelings seem more like tantrums, stripping Cécile’s character of all of the depth the script gave her.
With this in mind, a role like Cécile would have been wasted on her. Not because she wouldn’t have been able to act it well, but because the elements that Thurman brought to the film would have never even been considered. There is no denying that the Kill Bill actress helped with the timeless impact of the film, and Jessica Parker would not have been able to have the same effect.
Dangerous Liaisons can currently be rented on Apple TV (US).
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
