Javier Bardem and Julia Roberts in “Eat Pray Love.”
Eat, Pray, Love 
is a movie that takes seriously and even has fun with a "woman’s autonomy, her creativity, her desire for something other than a mate." Refreshing.
Based on the best-selling memoir by Elizabeth Gilberts, this tale of a post-divorce, globe-trotting main character whose natural self-confidence is dented by disappointment and threatened by remorse, Julia Roberts plays down her glamour but doesn't snuff it out altogether.Julia Roberts' Liz Gilbert can be both radiant and witty, a woman who doesn't doubt her womanliness, but she does suffer uncertainty, ambivalence and real anguish during the film. The end of her marriage — to a kind, weak-willed oddball played by Billy Crudup — is wrenching and I felt, poorly explained. Her rebound relationship with a soulful younger actor (James Franco), only exacerbates the sense that Liz is drifting away from her centre.
What “Eat Pray Love”
has — what the superficial “Sex and the City 2” (read my review here) notably lacked — is authenticity. Whether you like Liz or not, and whether you approve of her choices and the expectations she has set for herself, it is hard not to be impressed by her honesty.I guess it is a fantasy for many women to think they might embark on a year abroad to taste what another life might offer, but I felt this film was totally refreshing and believable (as it should be, based on a memoir.)
I was thoroughly entertained and challenged to look at life in a new way.
Naturally, so many of you are thinking - but how does it shape up to the book? I was given the book as a gift, but refused to read it before I saw the film. My experience is that all films suck if you read the book first, so now I must go and read it...I hope I'm not disappointed...
23 comments:
I was quite surprised to love this movie! I haven't read the book, but your so right, a movie never seems so good afterwards.
Erica: That's the truth, isn't it? I loved the movie..:)
I've read the book but haven't seen the film yet. I'll check it out at some point.
Thanks for the review!
Jai
Jai: No worries. I must get into that book!
I haven't read the book or seen the movie. I keep thinking I should get round to it though...
Rach
Her book is on my too-read pile. I really must get around to it!
How's Nano going?
Thanks for reminding me - so wanted to see this movie and it finishes Wed here. I'm with you - always hate the movie if I've read the book - sign of a good book when you can make the characters your own. Managed 14788 words so far. Also changed my blog name and url now http://kangaroosofthescrubbybush.blogspot.com so hope it's still hitting your reader.
I haven't read the book or seen the movie but you make me want to.
CD
Glad to hear it's a good movie cause i want to see it. I want to read the book to, but maybe after the movie.
I still haven't read the book or seen the movie. The book is on my shelf, so someday....
Seems people are very polarized by this book/movie. They either love it or hate it. I've heard both ends of the spectrum from women I respect so I don't know where I'm going to fall. I suppose I'll end up reading/watching just to find out.
Rachel: You'll love it..:)
Ellie: I must start, but NaNo, you know...going well, are you?
Cheryl: Hope you see it. It's great. Gotta check if you're still on my feed..:)
Clarissa: Hope you get time..:)
Quinn: It is a movie guys can enjoy too..:)
Vicki: Yeah, I know. I can imagine some people hating the premise, but it's reality..:)
Be interested what all you guys think when you see the movie/read the book..:)
I have the book but haven't read it yet. I also haven't seen the movie. I've been trying to figure out which I should do first. You just solved my problem! :-)
Shannon: Yeah, see the movie first!
I haven't seen the movie or read the book yet. One of my close friends loved the first third of the book, but was disappointed with the rest. I'll have to check them out some day. :)
Jemi: so worth it, the movie at least..:)
It's not my type of movie, although when it shows up on NetFlix, I'll probably watch it. (I watch almost every new movie!) Julia Roberts is excellent in every movie I've ever seen.
Alex: It definitely isn't just a chick flick..:)
I'll confess -- I've been a bit of a snob about this book/movie so far. I think I'd better give it a go!
Totally different movie than Pretty Woman! I also think Javier is a lot more likable than his 1st American film, No Country For Old Men.
You're right, the opposite of Sex & the City 2!
I've heard from people who've read the book that the movie was disappointing. Part of me wonders how any movie with Julia Roberts in it could NOT be good, but perhaps it's just the reading-the-book-before-watching-the-movie thing that spoiled the movie... Glad you liked it!
PS. I have a little blog award for you :-)
Unfortunately, I didn't get to see this movie when it was in the theaters. I was so disappointed.
But, I have read the book and I enjoyed it. There was one passage in the book that really stuck with me, and for that alone I felt it totally worth the read. Hope you enjoy it as well!
Amie: You won't be sorry!
Lisa: Yes, Javier is quite good in this but not sure he was the right choice..:)
Rachael: This is a book/movie you have to choose for yourself..Oh, an award! Can't wait!
Jessica: I'd better get in and read this book..:)
I like how opposite you are with wanting to see the movie first before reading the book. I actually tend to do that, but I never realized I did. You're right, the movie is usually a big disappointment if you've already read the book. Good philosophy!
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