Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with The Weinstein Co. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
During my childhood, I had the pleasure of being raised around my Great-Grandmother Carmen. She was the epitome of strength and character and had known a hard life working in the fields and giving birth to her children right at home. Although she was sometimes a bitter pill to swallow, she never backed down from anyone and taught me that women could be brave and fierce.
My grandmother, the quiet strength behind my grandfather and the rest of the family.
On the other hand, my Grandmother who raised me, was strong in a different kind of way. She was never as overbearing and confrontational as Carmen was but she showed me that women could be strong and ladylike at the same time. Although it seemed to outsiders that my Grandfather was the one calling all the shots in their home, she influenced his decisions behind the scenes and made her voice and opinions be heard subtly.
This December 25th, we will be introduced to the women of Osage County in the critically acclaimed film August: Osage County. Although the women in this movie are strong-willed like the women in my own family, they also boast different personalities that make each one of them unique. Despite their many differences, at their core they value the importance of family, togetherness and taking the time to be with the ones you love, especially around the Holidays.
August: Osage County tells the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. After making its Broadway debut in December 2007 and premiering at Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre, it continued with a successful international run.
The two female characters from the film who speaks to me the most are Violet Weston (Meryl Streep), who is the matriarch of the Weston family, and Barbara Fordham (Julia Roberts), who is the oldest daughter of the Weston family. Although she is much older than me, I can totally relate to Violet’s sharp-tongue and shrewd personality. Like her, I am not hesitant about revealing how I feel and never have any hairs on my tongue. On the other hand, Barbara is an educator like I am and she feels the need to control everything around her which is exactly how I can be since I am a perfectionist.
The Weinstein Co. has teamed up with MyHeritage.com for the release of August: Osage County to help you learn more about the Weston family and your own family with a free premium membership! You can also check out the interactive Facebook app for a chance to enter the sweepstakes to win weekly prizes and a grand prize!
This holiday season is upon us and it’s that time to remember why family is important. Check out the new film August: Osage County when it premieres on December 25th as it is surely a film and a family that everyone will be able to connect with on some level or another!
GIVEAWAY:
Our sponsor is giving away a $100 Visa Gift Card to one reader of Tough Cookie Mommy to enjoy some fun with their family this holiday season!a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: This is part of a compensated campaign with The Weinstein Co. However, all opinions expressed are my own. I only recommend products or services I use personally and I believe will be “family friendly.” I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
© 2013, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
would love to win 100$ =)) This is a big names movie, lots of my favorite actresses are in it! Will have to check it out when it comes out here in montreal!
I supposed I can relate to Violet the most. I at times have a foul mouth and can be overbearing, but the people who know me understand that. LOL
Entered NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Maker
I relate to both of the characters in some ways. I like to be in control of certain situations. I’m also one of the nicest people a person could ever meet, but I can be very plain spoken. I’m a lot like my mother in that regard. This catches some people off-guard since I’m usually very laid-back and quiet. 🙂
I relate most to the character of Ivy Weston, the middle child who keeps her emotions and passions under the surface. Can’t wait to see this on the big screen!
Geoff K
gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com
i wiil make sure i would check it out, i know sometimes I can get a little flip out the mouth, only when someone pisses me off lol
I’d most relate to Violet Weston because I’m the matriarch of my family, as well. This looks like such a great movie with a wonderful cast!
Entered Ring In The New Year With A Rockin $130 #Giveaway
I just like to watch, don’t relate to any actor
I think I can relate to Violet Weston because I am the matriarch of my family.
I’ve never seen the show so I can’t say I relate to any characters
I relate most to Meryl Streep’s character the most. Barbara Weston is storng willed as am I, and takes care of the family, as do I!
Mitch, gaynycdad
There is definitely a lot of buzz around this movie, so I am sure I will check it out at one point or another.
I can relate mostly to Barbara Weston. I’m the one who organizes and keeps the family together.
I can relate to Barbara Weston. I’m not the oldest child in the family, but I can relate to her wanting to control things around her.
I also entered your Movies on Demand giveaway.
I haven’t see this yet so will have to check it out to see which woman I would relate most with. But I like the idea of showing a family made up of strong women each in their own way
haven’t seen this before but going to check it out
Great giveaway! And it sounds like such an interesting movie!
I can relate to Julia Robert’s character, BarbaraFordham. She is worried about turning into her mother and feels she is. I have that same nightmare or realization.
I can relate to Barbara Weston the most, as the oldest child in my family I confess that I do tend to control everything around me sometimes.
I am probably most like Barbara – i definitely like to have control!
I can relate to Barbara because I am a perfectionist just like her. And I also like to control the situation.
What a great giveaway! I can relate to barbara, more..
In some ways, I can relate to Barbara. I’m the oldest child and was also an educator.
i would have to say im like Barbara.
Which character from August: Osage County do you relate to the most and why?
never seen it,never heard of it..would like to see it..maybe ill win it and get back to you?..thanks for the giveaway..hope i can still win even though i havent seen ti
Looked it up on google and I think Ivy would be the one not much romance here
Wow. Looks really interesting. Thank you for sharing it on your blog.
i relate most to Violet. Even though my kids and I are not that old, I do feel like the matriarch and head of the family.
What an interesting sounding film I have to admit I hadn’t heard of it till reading this post – it sounds lovely and I do have some very strong willed and full of personality female family. x
What a beautiful way to remember two amazing women. It is nice that you recognize both of their strengths though they were very different.
I can relate most to Violet as I am the matriarch of my family! I really want to see the movie!
Sounds like a very interesting movie, I’ll have to check it out 🙂
With the two maik characters as my favorite, I’d definitely watch out for this!
I think iI would relate more to Violet. I can see myself being addicted to pain pills if I ever got cancer and I say inappropriate things sometimes lol
I will take my mom to see August: Osage County. It looks interesting.
I’m not a movie person but this looks interesting
I hadn’t heard of this movie. I’ll look into it bc I love movies with strong female characters. They can be inspiring, even with their faults. Thanks for sharing your story and about the movie. I too was raised by my grandma and she was the most incredible role model. 🙂
It’s hard to answer which character I relate to since I have yet to see the movie since it just came out today and I haven’t see the play so I don’t know who the characters are! The movie looks great though and the cast is filled w/ some really amazing actors.
I haven’t seen the movie, but I would relate to any of the strong characters, Ive been through a lot of tough things in my life.
I would say I am most like Violet. I have the tendency to say what I think and that doesn’t always go over well with some people.
Since I haven’t seen the movie yet, I don’t know which character I most relate to. I just spent way too much time searching the movie’s Facebook page and website looking for a list of characters so I could honestly answer your question but was unable to find anything. I did find a graphic showing the character “types,” and of those, I most relate to the one called “The Chef” since I’m the only member of my family who can cook; unfortunately, I don’t know which character is “The Chef,” or even if it’s a man or a woman. Tough question!
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Edited to add: Well, I just found a listing of some of the characters with their bios (it was in the middle of the sweepstakes app), and none of them is a chef. Frankly, though, I can’t relate to any of the ones they describe–they’re all a bunch of lying, cheating, and thoroughly unpleasant people! Now I’m not so sure I even want to see this movie…
I’ve never heard of or seen this movie yet, so I don’t know which character I would relate to. Probably someone meek and quiet.
From your comments, I definitely think I can relate to Barbara Fordham. I too am pretty straight forward!
I have not heard much about this movie beyond what you have written, but I am interested in watching it because I always enjoy Julia Roberts’ movies. I am probably most like her character, Barbara, because I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist. I am also the oldest daughter of my family.
Honestly, I do not see me being any of these characters. They are very dysfunctional and a little terrible. I saw the play and they are not that great.
I haven’t seen this yet, but it’s on my list to check out over the winter break. It’s so nice to have time to do things like this!
I guess I would relate to Violet Weston because I am the matriarch of my family. I haven’t seen the movie yet.
I haven’t seen this movie yet either, but I’d have to pick Violet since I am a mother as well. Thanks for the great giveaway! DamianMom at yahoo dot com
I want to see this movie. I think I would be like Barbara. I am the oldest in my family and it would be fun to be like Julia Roberts too, lol!
I relate mostly to Barbara because I also tend to want to be in control of every situation. I also have a similar relationship with my mother. I am looking forward to this movie because I think I will get a lot of belly laughs out of it!
I’m probably like Barbara since I can be a control freak over some things.
I can relate to Barbara because most of the time I feel like I have to control everything.
I do not know really who I’d relate to best. I want to watch this but I don’t want to read too much into the characters. I’m one of those people who likes to be TOTALLY surprised about a movie and refuses to read the synopsis or watch the trailer. (But yes, I REALLY DO WANT TO SEE THIS!)
Maybe I’d identify with Julia Roberts’ character becasue I don’t want to turn into my mom!
I think I’m more like Barbara. I don’t like being out of control. I like to have a handle on things, so I can prevent anything from going wrong.
Oh yeah I’m definitely like Barbara. Oldest daughter, staying away for a long time, having to save people who can’t save themselves, can’t get along with mother. Yep.. too bad my life isn’t a movie or a play though.
I’m for sure like Barbara even though I’m the youngest daughter. I’m a perfectionist and I also have a hard time getting along with my mother at times.
I relate to Abigail Breslin’s character because she is the quiet one and listens to everyone else and that tends to be me.
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
I think I relate most to Barbara. I prefer to be in control of much as possible 🙂
i love seeing juila roberts in a different part this looks like a good movie
I think I’m more like Barbara. I’m the oldest sibling in my family and tend to like things a certain way. I’m not a changeable person.
Barbara is who I would be most like. I am also the oldest and tend to speak my mind in our family. To me no matter how old my younger siblings are just that always younger.
ellen beck on rafflecopter
I wouldn’t be like barbara or violet as I’m usually yielding and soft-spoken
Barbara, because I am the oldest daughter, and took my role very seriously!
Oh I would have to say I am more like Barbara…like to be in control of things 🙂
i think barbara seems like a bit of a control freak- which describes me to a tee !:) thanks again!
I am like Barbara because I like to be in control of things.
I can actually see myself in both characters to some extent. I am a very honest person, so, like Violet I say what I think. And I am a retired schoolteacher, so I can relate to Barbara as well.
barbara because im the oldest daugher
i am going to say i am most like violet the matriarch of the family. It may also be because i love merly streep and would like to be compared to her.
I guess I’m more like Barbara – I do try to control things. I used to be more successful at that, but some things in life just can’t be controlled.
I think I’m most like Barbara I sometimes try controlling things that can’t be controlled, I can’t wait to see the movie
I am definitely like Barbara..I am controlling at times and I like things done my way and get mad when they’re not. Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway!
Eloise
furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net
I think I am more like Barbara, I like things my way and I can be a bit controlling sometimes. Thanks for the chance to win.
Leidy R rafflecopter
I think I am like the character Barbara. I like to control things but know life is not controlled.
I think I’d relate to Violet the most. I’m not a control freak at all, but I am still very opinionated and I’m someone who has to have my opinion heard, even if it is in opposition to others’ opinions. I don’t mind speaking up if I don’t like the way something is.
I can relate to Barbara because I always feel like I have to control everything
Violet I can relate to I think she will be the one that kinda sets back & takes it all in with out getting into the muck muck to much. My family is NOT like this at all thank goodness.
Barbara is the control freak, and so am I… I am totally stoked over seeing this! I am HUGE on speaking my mind and having my opinion heard! [email protected]
I am more like Barbara, although to a lesser extent. I tend to be somewhat controlling.
I try not to be, but im most like Barbara since im pretty controlling, especially with my family
I have not seen this but from reading post and hearing Barbara likes to be in control, well, that one just may be me. I’m sure my family would agree
I entered coffee mate also
I have not seen the movie, but it sounds like I can relate to Violet the most. I also am not afraid to speak my thoughts and feelings.
I feel like I’d relate to Barbara the most. I am excited to see this movie!
I entered the Movies On Demand giveaway.
I Relate Most To The Character Barbara Fordham, Like Her I’m Also The Oldest Child In My Family, I Also Speak My Mind Often, She Is The Character I Relate To The Most.
I haven’t seen this, but I think I’d relate to Barbara. From your description she seems most like me.
I haven’t seen the movie! I’m not sure if it’s a limited opening or not. I would probably relate to Barbara the most, I also am the oldest, so I have all the responsibility that comes with that!
I must admit I am a bit controlling so I can relate to Barbara. I would love to watch this movie.
I like having control, so I am most like Barbara. Thank you for the nice giveaway!
Entered new years bash ellen beck on rafflecopter
I think I would be most like Weston. I’m the leader of the family, and run a tight ship.
Hard choice because I think at times I’ve been both folks. But I think Barbara fits me most. I am the ox of my family, and do like to have control on many situations. This movie looks really good, one of my favorite actresses, Juliette Lews is in it and I can’t wait to see it!!
I most relate to Meryl Streeps.
Because she’s a strong woman a survivor and happens to be one of my favorites.
Thank you.
Rafflecopter name Barbara Montag
Definitely the Meryl Streep character as I am known for being strong willed and opinionated. I too needed this strong personality to survive my upbringing.
def julia roberts’s character, ad Meryl streeps characters reminds me of my mother!
Meryl Streep…I am strong in character, my opinions rule, and I am a real survivor. She is such a classic
I have to be honest and say I’m not like any of the characters. I love this type of movie, which reminds me of Steel Magnolias & Terms of Endearment, and will be seeing it for sure.
So many great actors in this movie! I would have to say Barbara because I love being in control! I am one of those people where if I want something done right I have to do it myself!! My husband will be a saint for putting up with me!
Sonya Morris
I relate most to Barbara because she is the oldest! I am also the oldest in my family and that carries many responsibilities and a bit of pressure, so I know just how she feels!
I can relate to Barbara Fordham (Julia Roberts), I’m also a control nut, I feel I must always be in control, feel I’m the only one that can do things right. Being the oldest also has everyone coming to me to “fix” things, leaving no one for me to go to 🙂
I haven’t seen it yet… but I would love to. Probably Barbara- I am the oldest, also.
I have only seen trailers for this movie. Being a native Oklahoman, I totally relate to this movie. My family reunions always seemed to resemble this family. I was always the oldest, and the target for a lot of the unsolicited advice from my mother and grandmothers.
I’ll probably read the book before I see the movie. I have read several of Billie Letts’ books. If her son writes as well, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.
I feel like I relate to Barbara Fordham because I am a daughter and a total control freak.
As the oldest daughter in my family I think I would relate most to Julia Roberts character, Barbara Fordham.
I can relate to the Julia Roberts character. I am the oldest and I homeschool my 3 children so therefore I am an educator. Thank you
I am the oldest daughter in my family and relate to Barbara.
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
Oh wow, I haven’t seen this yet but it looks like a great movie. From what I read, I think I’d most relate to Barbara – although I try not to be “controlling”, I guess I can come off that way because I like things to be done a certain way
Nathansmommy619(At)Aol(Dot)com
I haven’t seen the movie yet so I can’t say for sure however I do tend to speak my mind no matter what other people think so I guess Violet (?)…I am very much looking forward to seeing this movie though because I love all the actors featured in it! 🙂
I can most relate to Barbara. I feel like the way that she deals with these family situations is very much like I would deal with it. I definitely have some control issues that could be better dealt with in dysfunctional family settings!!
i am more like barbara because i like to control things in my life and do not like giving it up. i am not an educator, but i feel that my personality most closely matches hers.
I relate to Barbara, b/c I’m an oldest daughter who can be sarcastic at times
I would have to say Barbara just just I like to be in control most of the time
I think I identifiy most with Violet because she tells it like it is – sometimes with unforeseen consequences. It’s true – the truth the can hurt!
i would say barbara because she is the oldest and controlling.. I hate to say it, but I find myself to be that way
I entered your CoffeeMate giveaway. Thank you!
Sonya Morris
I would say Barbara because I have control issues also.
I think i’d probably be most like Violet, I like to be honest with people.
I think i most relate to Barbara. I can be very controlling sometimes.
Barbara. I am the oldest, too, and I’m sure I can be controlling at times. I think that’s a trait of the oldest child.
I relate most to Barbara Fordham (Julia Roberts) I sometime just need to be in charge.
I also entered your coffee mate giveaway
I haven’t watched it yet but think I relate most to Violet because she is honest to everyone!
Thank You
I relate to the Barbara Fordham (Julia Roberts) character most. I can’t wait to see this movie!
I think I might be a little bit of Violet and a little bit of Barbara because I’m definitely open about my feelings and I also tend to be a bit controlling.
I think I would relate to Violet because she speaks honestly.
I can relate to Barbara eventhough I am the youngest in my family I have always had the roleas the oldest dealing with all the problems.
Meryl Streep’s character as I am bold and strong willed
Barbara. My own mother was not unlike Violet.
I would have to Say Honest Violet is me made over. lol
I most relate to Jean Fordham because of age. The other women in the movie are parents or well established adults in relationships and I am not.
Probably Ivy because she’s described as the the dark-horse middle sister. I am a middle sister and feel like the dark horse of the family quite often!
Rafflecopter: Carolsue
I’d have to say Karen. I remember being young and hopeful, looking at the world with big, naive eyes. I think it’s something we all go through and come out better on the other end, once a few hard life lessons are learned!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I entered
Dessert Meets My Perfect Companion! #CompañeroPerfecto @Coffee_Mate #Giveaway #Ad.
I can most relate to Barbara because I feel the need to control like she does.
I am most like Karen because she still sees good in the world.
I guess it would have to be Violet because I can’t hide how I feel.
I think I relate the most to Ivy. I tend to try to keep myself together while carrying many secrets that are unknown to others.
I think I am most like Barbara. I am an older sibling and have no problem speaking up and saying what’s on my mind.
i relate most to karen because i like to help everyone ad see the good in people
I think I am mostly like Violet. The thing I feel mostly is that I am the one who everyone comes to I don’t pull no punches and also tell it like it is.
Im gonna go with Barbara
Barbara because I’m always fighting
It’s not just one character, it’s about how the entire ensemble cast works together. I probably relate the most to Barbara, although I think the charm of this movie is how the family operates together.
Kimberly Hilbert
[email protected]
I would say that I’m most like Barbara, always fighting with my fighting siblings.
I would have to say Barbara because I am always fighting.
kport207 at gmail dot com
I haven’t seen this one yet so I can’t say who I relate to most. I love all the actors in it and I can’t wait to see it.
Violet, because as you said she has a sharp tongue. I like to speak my mind too.
I don’t know because I haven’t seen it yet.
I haven’t see the movie yet, but I guess I might be like Barbara. I like to have control most of the time and usually speaking my thoughts out loud.
I have not seen this movie yet so I can’t identify with a character. It will probably be Margo Martindale’s character. In any case, I enjoy her acting.
Entered the Coffee Mate giveaway
form name Barbara Montag
I haven’t seen the movie yet so I can’t make a judgement on which character I most relate to. I hope to see the movie soon though!
From what I have heard/seen I would say Barbara Fordham, since I haven’t seen it myself though I cannot really say.
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but from the previous. I think I relate most to Julia Roberts Character.
I like julia roberts acting. I haven’t seen the movie yet so I’m not sure what character I am most excited to see.
I would guess Margo. I have to see this movie first though…look great.
I relate to the Barbara Fordham (Julia Roberts) character most. I can’t wait to see this
I can relate more to Barbara – I like to be in control of things also
annabella @ centurytel dot net
I haven’t seen this movie yet, but I think I am probably most like Barbara. I am also the oldest.
I think I am most like Violet. Some how I became the one in the family everyone comes to when they want to discuss a problem they are having. I think this is because I am more likely to give an honest straight forward opinion.
I’m probably most like Barbara because I am the oldest child and like things to go my way. I’d have to see the movie first to be sure, though
i can most likely relate to Barbara Fordham (Julia Roberts) because i am the person that likes to help everyone i know out. i am tony l smoaks on rafflecopter.
I’m a single mom of a two year old daughter and I really like to control everything that go’s on in are home. I want my daughter to grow up and do really good things with her life, so Barbara is who I most relate to.
I am definitely like Barbara. I’m the oldest female granddaughter in my family with a strong grandmother.
I like to think of myself like Karen because I believe I am kind hearted, but I can always improve in that aspect! Also, I can relate to Barbara because I am the oldest sibling!
Violet, I could see myself doing some of the stupid things she does. I am really looking forward to seeing this movie
I relate to Julia Roberts Character. I read the book and loved it.
I’m sort of a mixture of all of them. There are a few traits I might share. Like being controlling. I’m so overprotective of my son! Plus I’m good now but there was a time when I was a pretty wild and I’m afraid to tell my son! I don’t know what to tell him!
I haven’t seen the movie, however, I love Julia and Meryl. I’ve been paying attention to the previews and reading the blogs and laugh to myself knowing this family dynamic is not so different from my own.
I relate mostly to Barbara Fordham (Julia Roberts). I cannot wait to see this movie.
I relate to Julia Roberts Character.
I think I would most relate to Julia Roberts character. thank you
I dont think I’m like either one. I ended up as a divorced mom raising 6 children by myself under trying circumstances but don’t have either personality.
I sound a lot like Julia Robert’s character, Barbara because I also like to control everything
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but can’t wait! From what I know about the characters, I think I’d most likely relate to Violet, straight forward!
ooh i love julia roberts in films so yes
julia because i feel like i am mature and i have to keep everything together so i doesnt fall apart
julia is awesome!!
I have not seen this yet. I am not sure which one I would relate too but probably the one played by julia roberts.
I relate to violet. She’s clear and I like that!
I’d say definitely Julia Roberts character, I like to be in control of everything.
I entered the New Years Cash Giveaway
It wouldn’t be the mother she was horrible. There is no reason to take out your pain on your family.
Barbara Fordham (Julia Roberts), who is the oldest daughter of the Weston family. she feels the need to control everything around her.
I have not seen the movie yet so I am not sure who I would relate to the most.
Really! Really! I think I am most like Karen. I try to be helpful and see the good in everyone.
I relate to the Barbara Fordham (Julia Roberts) character most. I like having control!
[email protected]
I believe I would qualify as a Carmen.
Violet Weston : as a man I always relate to whatever character Meryl Streep is playing.
I’m not sure, I haven’t seen the movie yet.
I can’t relate to any characters either since I haven’t seen the movie yet but am definitely looking forward to it. Thx for the chance.
I love Julia Roberts in the previews since she’s a strong woman! Thanks so much for the chances to win.
I have seen the trailer and I like Julia Roberts Character. I would say that thus far I am most like her. Though my opinion may change once I see the film.
I haven’t seen the movie yet but I would relate to any character that has overcome obstacles and maintained a positive attitude.
Barbara Fordham played by Julia Roberts I just get her..
I can’t really answer this since I haven’t saw the movie yet BUT I’m totally excited to watch it!
I can relate to the character Barbara played by Julia Roberts because I am a control freak. I like things done my way and organized how I like them to be.
I have not yet seen this film so I can’t form an opinion of it. I am familiar with a number of the actors in it including Julia Roberts. Can’t say I relate to any of them though. And Benedict Cumberbatch as KHAN?! Give me a break!
I really think I relate best to Barbara ( Julia Roberts). I am a bit of a control freak too! I think I can be chill, but then I have to arrange and do things the way I want! LOL Yes, I guess I am am a control freak!