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Jennifer Aniston details 'heartbreaking' role in 'Cake'

"The woman's journey is so heartbreaking but so uplifting," the actress says of her character.

By Annie Martin
Jennifer Aniston arrives for the world premiere of 'Cake' at the Elgin Theatre during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada on September 8, 2014. UPI/Christine Chew
1 of 6 | Jennifer Aniston arrives for the world premiere of 'Cake' at the Elgin Theatre during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada on September 8, 2014. UPI/Christine Chew | License Photo

TORONTO, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Jennifer Aniston is proud of her performance in new drama Cake.

The 45-year-old actress portrays struggling addict Claire Simmons in the film, but told Variety it was "beyond a dream role."

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Simmons numbs her massive chronic pain with drugs and alcohol, and has consequently alienated herself from family and friends. Aniston admitted the work was physically and mentally challenging, but said she was happy for the opportunity "to express empathy" for those in similar situations to the character.

"She basically has to decide whether she wants to live or die," Aniston shared. "The woman's journey is so heartbreaking but so uplifting, because she's gone through a trauma but maintains her wit, which is very endearing."

Cake debuted at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival on Monday, and Aniston's performance was met with rave reviews. Daniel Barnz directed the movie, with Anna Kendrick, Sam Worthington, Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy as co-stars.

Aniston will next appear in Horrible Bosses 2.

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