Mona Lisa Smile (2003) Australian Release: not yet confirmed US Release: 19th December 2003 (to take advantage of Oscar nomination time) Stars: Julia Stiles, Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Marcia Gay Harden, Maggie Gyllenhaal Director: Mike Newell (Four Weddings And A Funeral) Story: Mark Rosenthal, Lawrence Konner (Planet Of The Apes) Running Time: not yet completed Filmed At: Wellesley College (12 miles north of Boston, Mass.), Yale University, Conn., New York City and Tarrytown NY Distributor: Columbia/Sony Status: Filming completed 31 Jan 2003. Now in post-production

The Story:

A free spirited Berkeley graduate (Roberts) in the 1950's takes a position as a teacher at an all female college. Determined to confront the outdated mores of society and the institution that embraces them, she inspires her students to challenge the lives they are expected to lead. (Has been likened to Dead Poet's Society)

�We have to wear girdles, and I'm not a big fan of the girdle. So I'll be glad to be able to take that off.�

Julia's Character:

Julia plays the role of Joan Brandwyn, a 20 year old student who is as brilliant as she is beautiful, a straight A student and a gifted athlete and debater. Over the course of the film she will face some tough decisions about her future.

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