Gwyneth Paltrow's character based on Britney

Gwyneth Paltrow's character in 'Country Strong' was based on Britney Spears and Michael Jackson.

The Hollywood actress plays down-on-her-luck country singer Kelly Canter - who is struggling with drink problems while trying to make a comeback in the film - and according to the film's writer and director Shana Feste, the character was based on modern stars who have struggled with their fame.

She told Billboard.com: "I wanted to present these characters as messy, complicated and conflicted.

"Everybody is flawed. We build these artists and celebrate them, then at the first sign of weakness, we rally around their downfall.

"Then we want to build them back up for a comeback. How difficult to live life like that in public."

Shana added she took inspiration from Britney - who had a public breakdown in 2008 - and Michael, the 'King Of Pop' who was attempting to stage possibly the biggest comeback of all time, with 50 sold out live stadium dates, when he tragically died in 2009 due to acute intoxication with powerful anaesthetic Propofol.

Gwyneth has previously said to get into character for the film she was drunk on set "all the time".

She said: "You just get really drunk all the time. Which is awesome! At least I did anyway.

"It was actually very liberating and amazing to play somebody who just didn't think about consequences because I'm so responsible with my life."