Jennifer Aniston says making independent film like Cake, particularly amidst the big-budget projects in which they frequently appear, allows for more creative freedom and, in turn, greater self-expression as an actor. She says, “We have thousands of crazy characters in our heads, just banging to get out of the closet; it’s just whether or not we’re given the opportunity to do it. Sometimes we are, and sometimes you have to bang your drum a little louder and take bigger risks. I find that so fun.” She aimed to demonstrate the kind of emotional range and physicality that she “hadn’t been able to do in a long, long time, really, if ever.” Anna Kendrick noted that Aniston’s involvement as both executive producer and star was a huge deciding factor in signing on for Cake.
