Jennifer Aniston stars and executive produces latest movie

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Jennifer Aniston is happy to be wearing two different hats for her new comedy, "Life of Crime." Not only is she one of its stars, she also helped get the movie made as one of its executive producers.

"That's what's really exciting for me, to sort of not just be a gal for hire," Aniston said. "This was one of those wonderful indies that just came together in the most beautiful way."

"Life of Crime" is based on the 1978 Elmore Leonard novel, "The Switch." Jennifer plays a kidnap victim and Tim Robbins is her corrupt, philandering husband. When the kidnappers ask him for a million bucks in ransom, he's not interested in paying because he just secretly filed for divorce.

"We meet her as this trophy wife," Aniston said. "With no voice, not even an awareness of how to even get out of this emotional jail. And then, the beauty of this kidnapping is that's her 'get out of jail free' card."

"Life of Crime" takes place in the seventies, and Aniston says she did not have to look too far for inspiration.

"I basically channeled my mom's look from the seventies, you know? She was really - just awesome high-waisted polyester everything!"

"Life of Crime" is in theaters Friday.