Mona Lisa Smile Directed by Mike Newell (2003) Set in 1953, Katherine Watson (Roberts) is a free-spirited graduate of UCLA who accepts a teaching post at Wellesley College, a women-only school where the students are torn between the repressive mores of the time and their longing for intellectual freedom. Cast: Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dominic West, Juliet Stevenson. Props and Wardrobe This purple sweater and shirt was worn by the character Joan Brandwyn (Julia Stiles) in the movie "Mona Lisa Smile". [Revolution Studios COA] Julia's purple sweater and shirt Julia Roberts with Julia Stiles Julia from "Mona Lisa Smile" Julia Stiles in a scene from "Mona Lisa Smile".