Julia Roberts Betrayed by Men in 32 Movies

It’s well-known that Julia Roberts is an exceptionally versatile actress, having starred in a wide range of roles across different genres. From her popular romantic comedies to her suspenseful thriller/heist movies, she has left her mark on various aspects of the entertainment industry. However, it’s worth noting that betrayal by male characters seems to be a recurring theme in many of Roberts’ female roles, as compared to her male counterparts. Here are some notable instances where Julia Roberts’ characters have been betrayed by men:

1. Erin Brockovich: In this true story, Erin (played by Roberts) uncovers a massive corporate cover-up that leads to the downfall of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). However, she is ultimately betrayed by her boss George (played by Aaron Eckhart), who takes credit for her work and reaps the benefits.

2. Sleeping with the Enemy: In this psychological thriller, Roberts plays Laura Burney, a woman who fakes her own death to escape an abusive marriage. Her husband Martin (played by Patrick Bergin) ultimately tracks her down and attempts to kill her, but she is saved by her former lover David (played by Brian Krause).

3. Runaway Bride: In this romantic comedy, Roberts plays Maggie Carpenter, a woman with a history of calling off weddings at the last minute. When she meets Ike Graham (played by Richard Gere), he sets out to understand why she always runs away before marrying him. However, it is eventually revealed that her ex-fiancé Greg (played by Héctor Elizondo) was the one who manipulated her into running away from their weddings, as a means of gaining financial benefits.

4. Ocean’s Eight: In this female spinoff of the Ocean’s Eleven franchise, Roberts plays Debbie Ocean, the sister of Danny Ocean (played by George Clooney in the original trilogy). She assembles an all-female team to pull off a heist at the Met Gala. However, one of her trusted confidantes, Lou (played by Matthew Loomer) ultimately betrays the group and attempts to steal the jewels for himself.

5. Mona Lisa Smile: In this drama set in the 1950s, Roberts plays Jane Morrow, a progressive art teacher at Wellesley College who challenges traditional norms and encourages her students to pursue their dreams. One of her students, Connie (played by Julia Stiles), ultimately betrays Jane by revealing confidential information about a student’s pregnancy to the school administration, resulting in the expulsion of the pregnant student.

Linus Caldwell In Ocean’s Twelve (Matt Damon)

According to Danny’s statement, it was indeed a group effort, but it’s Linus who executes the plan. This particular misdeed stands out among others and might even top the list because it involves Julia Roberts’ character, Tess Ocean, as well as a fictionalized version of Julia Roberts. In the story, Linus convinces Tess to participate in the heist under vague pretenses. Upon arriving in Rome, Linus and Basher then reveal to her that she’ll be impersonating a pregnant Julia Roberts as part of their scheme.

Khamel In The Pelican Brief (Stanley Tucci)

In the wake of completing “The Pelican Brief,” I confide in my professor-beau, Callahan (Sam Shepard), who, in turn, circulates it among a select few confidants. Regrettably, these individuals meet an untimely end due to a car explosion, orchestrated as a sinister plot. This tragic chain of events triggers a whirlwind of events, compelling me, Darby, to maintain vigilance over everyone involved while evading numerous assassins intent on causing me harm. Among these relentless pursuers, I recognize Khamel (Stanley Tucci), one of the many adversaries who threaten my life. As the story unfolds, I face numerous obstacles such as being followed, having belongings stolen, surviving multiple car bomb attempts, impersonators, and more – making “The Pelican Brief” an unexpectedly successful 90s thriller.

Martin Burney In Sleeping With The Enemy (Patrick Bergin)

In the story, Laura Williams, also known as Sara Waters (portrayed by Roberts), is trapped in a violent relationship with Martin Burney (Patrick Bergin). Despite his mistreatment, she plots her departure. After escaping both the marriage and the town, Laura transforms into Sara and moves near her mother, Chloe, whom she had told Martin was deceased. However, due to one oversight on her part, Martin discovers that Laura isn’t actually dead and manages to find her. Thankfully, events eventually favor Laura/Sara, allowing her to find peace.

Ed Masry In Erin Brockovich (Albert Finney)

At first, Erin Brockovich (Roberts) starts investigating the PG&E water issue for Ed Masry (Albert Finney). Initially allowed to visit some sites, she spends a few days working off-site without sharing updates with her colleagues. Upon returning to the office, she discovers she’s been let go due to poor communication. Fortunately, this was only a brief setback, and Masry rehires her promptly when a new lead emerges in the case.

Edward Lewis In Pretty Woman (Richard Gere)

In the movie directed by Garry Marshall, widely considered one of Julia Roberts’ finest performances as Vivian Ward, a twist unfolds at a polo match where her character is deceived by Edward Lewis (played by Richard Gere). Suspecting Vivian to be a corporate spy out to sabotage the Jim Morse business deal, Philip Stuckey (Jason Alexander) voices his concern. However, Edward clarifies the situation and recounts how he met Vivian. With this knowledge, Stuckey attempts to make a deal with Vivian, which she refuses. This action confirms in her mind that Edward has exposed her secret to Philip.

Michael O’Neal In My Best Friend’s Wedding (Dermott Mulroney)

In this film titled “My Best Friend’s Wedding“, some viewers might find the main character, Julianne ‘Jules’ Potter, portrayed by Roberts, a bit harder to root for. To me, Jules appears to be the more deceptive character, as she attempts unsuccessfully to derail her friend Michael’s wedding throughout the movie. From Jules’ perspective, she feels betrayed during the entire wedding weekend by Michael, but eventually comes to terms with the situation at the reception.

George In Erin Brockovich (Aaron Eckhart)

In the movie, George (played by Aaron Eckhart) becomes Erin Brockovich’s neighbor and eventually her love interest. Throughout the story, he consistently supports Erin and her children. However, during a crucial point in their relationship and the case, George asks Erin (Julia Roberts) to choose between him and her work. Disappointed by this, George departs after Erin declares she can’t abandon the residents of Hinkley. Toward the end of the trial, the pair reconnect and eventually reunite as the trial approaches its conclusion.

Danny Ocean In Ocean’s Eleven (George Clooney)

At the movie’s start, Danny (played by George Clooney) is Tess’ (Roberts) former spouse. In a cunning move, Danny manages to make Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), Tess’ current partner, opt for stolen money over her. This happens unknowingly on Terry’s part while he watches the whole incident unfold live. After causing the breakdown of a seemingly strong relationship, the divorced pair eventually reconcile. Although it might seem absurd, given Danny’s knack for delivering memorable one-liners from the Ocean’s series, it’s not surprising that each of his schemes worked out flawlessly.

Charles Gordon In Mystic Pizza (Adam Storke)

In a more casual and conversational style: Charming guy Charles Gordon (Adam Storke) crosses paths with feisty Daisy Araújo (Julia Roberts), and before you know it, they’re an item. However, their romantic dinner with the Gordon clan takes an awkward turn when a distasteful remark is hurled at Daisy, prompting Charles to defend her, causing friction within his family. Subsequently, Daisy accuses him of needlessly escalating the situation and standing up to his kin. Despite the heated disagreement, they reconcile during Daisy’s sister’s wedding celebration.

Bill Fordham In August: Osage County (Ewan McGregor)

In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated right from the start of this masterfully crafted film. The story unfolds with our protagonist, Bill (played by Ewan McGregor), and Barbara (portrayed by Roberts) in a seemingly amicable estrangement. Upon learning about Barbara’s missing father, they decide to journey together to her Oklahoma homestead. Through this challenging time, their shared resolve to support their daughter, Jean (Abigail Breslin), is evident.

However, the tension between Barbara and Bill escalates when they are confronted by her mother Violet (Meryl Streep) about their relationship status. With unflinching honesty, Bill acknowledges their separation and admits to a younger woman in his life.

Homer Eisenhower “Ike” Graham In Runaway Bride (Richard Gere)

Initially, Ike (Richard Gere), through writing an unfair and hurtful article about Maggie’s (Roberts) inability to commit, stirs up trouble in her life. This article brings Ike to town, causing Maggie to confront personal issues and rumors as she prepares for a potential marriage with Bob (Christopher Meloni). Eventually, the night of her rehearsal, after confessing their feelings for each other, Ike proposes to Maggie, setting off a chain of events that eventually lead to something positive, despite its rocky start.

Terry Benedict In Ocean’s Eleven (Andy García)

As Ocean’s Eleven starts, Benedict (Andy García) and Tess (Roberts) are in a romantic relationship. However, everything changes when Danny Ocean learns about it. The reason for Benedict’s betrayal is largely due to Danny’s deceit towards Tess – he knew that Benedict would choose money over her. Despite this, Tess witnessed Benedict’s confession live, which effectively ended any hopes of a long-term relationship between them.

Dan In Closer (Jude Law)

The story “Closer” involves a complex web of deceit that extends beyond just Anna’s relationship with Roberts’ character. Anna encounters Dan while capturing photos for his upcoming book. Despite Dan already being in a relationship, he attempts to pursue her, which she rejects. Later, Dan converses with an unidentified male online, pretending to be Anna, and lures the man (Larry) into meeting the real Anna under false pretenses at an aquarium.

Spike In Notting Hill (Rhys Ifans)

Spike (played by Rhys Ifans), a friendly but clumsy roommate of William Thacker (Hugh Grant), unintentionally exposes movie star Anna Scott’s (Julia Roberts) presence at their home to the paparazzi. When they understand that her location has been exposed, she assumes it was Thacker who leaked the information, not Spike. Consequently, she decides to leave their apartment.

Larry in Closer (Clive Owen)

Following the deception by Dan (Jude Law), Larry unknowingly meets the genuine Anna (Roberts). To everyone’s surprise, they develop a connection. However, things take a turn when Larry, during the couple’s eventual separation, meddles with Anna’s life subtly. Anna had left Larry for Dan, but Larry gradually undermines their relationship behind the scenes. The tension surfaces when they gather to sign divorce papers, at which point Larry demands that he can only release her if they share a night together. Anna consents, but this act devastates Dan and ultimately ruins their relationship, as she fails to submit the divorce paperwork, keeping them connected unofficially.

Peter Banning In Hook (Robin Williams)

Initially, Tinkerbell (Roberts) harbors resentment towards Peter (Robn Williams) due to his relinquishment of Neverland years ago, yet sets this aside to aid him in his return. As Peter recalls his past in Neverland and prepares for battle against Hook, Tinkerbell confesses her long-unrequited affection for him. Unfortunately, she doesn’t receive the response she desires, but ultimately assists Peter and his family in battling Hook to ensure a peaceful departure from Neverland.

Brighton In Mirror Mirror (Nathan Lane)

For several decades, numerous Disney reimaginings have been released, yet the 2012 version of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” stands out with a touch more humor and contemporary vibes. In this rendition, after Queen Clementina (Roberts) instructs Brighton (Nathan Lane) to take a drugged Snow White into the woods so the Beast can eliminate her, he does so but advises her to flee instead. Snow White manages to evade the Beast’s grasp, but Brighton deceptively informs the Queen that Snow White has perished.

Eddie Thomas In America’s Sweethearts (John Cusack)

In a private turn of events, the high-profile duo, Eddie (John Cusack) and Gwen (Catherine Zeta-Jones), have apparently parted ways. After Eddie finds himself smitten with Kiki (Roberts), who is both Gwen’s assistant and her sister, their bond deepens. Recognizing their shared affection, they spend a night together. The next morning, Eddie casually informs Gwen that he isn’t involved with anyone else at the moment, causing Kiki to abruptly leave the room. However, they reconcile later on.

Dean Tainot In Larry Crowne (Brian Cranston)

In the movie “Larry Crowne,” the characters Dean (played by Brian Cranston) and Mercedes (Roberts) are married but stuck in a rut at the film’s start. Mercedes is a disillusioned professor at the same community college that Larry Crowne, played by Tom Hanks, attends, one of her frequent co-stars. Before becoming a full-time blogger, Dean used to teach there as well. The relationship between the couple experiences highs and lows, but things take a turn for the worse when Mercedes discovers Dean on an adult website while he should be working, and they have a heated, intoxicated argument that ultimately leads to their separation.

Bill Dunbar In Mona Lisa Smile (Dominic West)

Following a breakup with her California-based fiancé who had recently proposed, Katherine Ann Watson (Roberts) begins dating another Wellesley College professor, Bill (Dominic West). Over time, they grow closer and Bill recounts his experiences in Italy during the war. However, their relationship ends when Katherine finds out that Bill has been deceiving her about his military service history and also had romantic entanglements with students.

G.H. Scott In Leave the World Behind (Mahershala Ali)

In the Netflix movie, Amanda (Roberts) and her family encounter more complex situations than initially anticipated, all triggered by an early surprise visit from G.H. (Mahershala Ali) during their vacation. Upon arrival, his unexpected return to the rental home leaves Amanda feeling uneasy. As the story unfolds, they gradually learn to cooperate in dealing with the unfolding events.

Howard Tully In Duplicity (Tom Wilkinson)

In their undercover roles as spies Claire (Roberts) and Ray (Clive Owen), find love, climb up the spy ladder, and betray each other subtly. However, it’s Claire’s superior Tully (Tom Wilkinson) who orchestrates the grand deception. The pair engage in a game of cat-and-mouse with each other and their handlers, all according to plan. When they believe they have triumphed and depart the country, it is unveiled that Tully has swapped the highly sought-after formula for an ordinary bottle of hand lotion.

Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde In Mary Reilly (John Malkovich)

In a natural and easy-to-understand manner: Mary Reilly (Roberts) develops a close bond with Dr. Jekyll (John Malkovich), confiding in him about her past hardships and lingering wounds. However, upon the arrival of Mr. Hyde, he exploits this information to mock Mary and make advances towards her. Both Jekyll and Hyde take advantage of their connection with her throughout the movie. Eventually, following the deaths of both Jekyll and Hyde, Mary departs from the estate.

Collin’s Assassin In Michael Collins (Jonathan Rhys Meyers)

Due to Michael Collins’ significant role in the Irish Republican Army and England’s desire to eliminate him, he became a prime target. While members of the IRA were on their journey, they found themselves at a roadblock set up to ensnare them. This trap was successful as the two sides engaged in conflict. In this confrontation, a young assassin fatally shot Collins (played by Liam Neeson).

Ben Harrison in Stepmom (Liam Aiken)

Despite being young, Ben Harrison (played by Liam Aiken), the son of Luke (Ed Harris) and Jackie (Susan Sarandon), shows a breach of trust towards Isabell Kelly (Roberts). While Isabell is busy with a photo shoot in Central Park, she leaves Ben and his sister Anna unattended. Unfortunately, Ben wanders off, causing some distress. Although the incident doesn’t last long, it further strains the relationship between Isabell and Luke’s family.

Nelson Wright In Flatliners (Kiefer Sutherland)

Eddie Bichon In Something To Talk About (Dennis Quaid)

Initially, it’s revealed that Grace (Roberts) finds out her spouse, Eddie (Dennis Quaid), is unfaithful with another woman. This leads to a heated argument in public, causing Grace to gather her things, including their daughter, and depart for her parents’ home. Throughout the rest of the film, Grace encounters numerous family members urging her to pardon Eddie’s infidelity. Eventually, they reconcile on Grace’s conditions.

Jerry Fletcher In Conspiracy Theory (Mel Gibson)

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself reflecting on the complex dynamics between Jerry (Mel Gibson), a taxi driver with a penchant for conspiracy theories, and Alice (Roberts). Despite his noble intentions, there’s an unsettling veil of secrecy that pervades their relationship. From surreptitiously spying on Alice in her own home to the revelation that Jerry possesses a cherished family memento she had given away following her father’s passing, these instances add layers of intrigue and tension to their tumultuous connection. The climax comes when Jerry orchestrates his own ‘death,’ a desperate move aimed at safeguarding Alice. This journey through their relationship is filled with unexpected twists, making it an enthralling exploration of trust, secrecy, and love.

In a less significant yet notable incident, Alice decides to pay a visit to Harry Finch after discovering everyone else on Jerry’s subscriber list had passed away. To her surprise, Finch is revealed to be the problematic psychiatrist Dr. Jonas (portrayed by Patrick Stewart), who accusingly states that Jerry was responsible for her father’s death, which later proves to be untrue.

Victor Geddes In Dying Young (Campbell Scott)

In this rephrased version, Victor (portrayed by Campbell Scott) engaged Hilary (played by Roberts) as a live-in caregiver during his leukemia treatment. A romantic bond developed between them, and Victor persuaded Hilary that he was recovering well enough for a getaway. During their seaside trip, Hilary became suspicious of Victor’s health and found evidence in the trash that he was secretly undergoing chemotherapy. Upon learning the truth, Victor admitted his deception, prompting Hilary to contact Victor’s father to retrieve him. This film is known for being emotionally moving; you won’t be able to watch it without shedding tears.

Charles In Fireflies In The Garden (Willem Dafoe)

The couple Lisa Roberts and Charles Willem Dafoe weren’t blessed with a harmonious relationship, but they created a family together and were making their best efforts to manage. In an unfortunate and shocking twist, the duo met with a car accident resulting in Lisa’s demise. Following her passing, it was revealed that Charles had been involved in an affair with one of his students while Lisa was pregnant.

Joe Berlin in Everyone Says I Love You (Woody Allen)

Using D.J.’s (Natasha Lyonne) advice, Joe (Woody Allen) deceives Von Sidell (Roberts), making her believe she’s found a superior man over her husband. They serendipitously cross paths, with Joe pretending to be interested in things she cherishes. Intrigued, Von develops feelings for Joe and ultimately leaves her spouse for him. However, she eventually grows tired of their relationship and returns to her former partner.

Anzor Marzin / Clay Beckwith In Secret In Their Eyes (Joe Cole)

In a world not far removed from the aftermath of 9/11, friends Jess (Roberts) and Ray are employed in different sectors of public safety. A mysterious call leads them to a Mosque where Ray often works on investigations. Upon their arrival, they sadly discover that the unidentified body is none other than Jess’ daughter, Carolyn, who has tragically been murdered. Over time, they piece together clues and ultimately identify Anzor Marzin as the culprit, an individual who later adopts the alias Clay Beckwith, portrayed by Joe Cole, in a series of unsettling events where he was observed scrutinizing Carolyn at a company gathering.

2025-03-11 18:40