Julianne Moore has recalled how preparing to play Sarah Palin in HBO’s 2012 film Game Change took over her life for two months. The role mattered because Palin was a highly recognisable public figure, and Moore felt that even a small error in her voice or mannerisms could make the portrayal unconvincing.

Moore cleared her social calendar, worked with a dialect coach and repeatedly watched footage of Palin while continuing family responsibilities. She even replaced music during school runs with recordings of Palin speaking; the intensive preparation helped her win an Emmy for the performance.