Dir: Ryan Murphy Cast: Billy Crudup, Javier Bardem, Julia Roberts, Viola Davis
Eat Pray Love
U/A; ROMANCE
Dir: Ryan Murphy
Cast: Billy Crudup, Javier Bardem, Julia Roberts, Viola Davis
Rating: **
ADVERTISEMENT

Despite being a best seller, Elizabeth Gilbert's book Eat Pray Love met with ample criticism for romanticisng the western fantasy of finding solace in the arms of tepid Eastern culture. Through the book's two and a half hour celluloid version, protagonist Julia Roberts does nothing to break the much hammered myth of India being the land of snake charmers and elephants. Her character Liz goes through more than just a mid life crisisu00a0-- multiple failed relationships and stagnation in every aspect of live scar her to the extent where she decides its time to address the 'I' within her, hence the trips to Italy (eat), India (pray) and Indonesia (love). If only Thomas Cook could offer copies of the novel and book plans for women to embark on a soul searching trip to the trinity there would be no chaos. Each segment in the three countries tells us a different story, yet the problem (Julia) remains the same.u00a0
u00a0
What's hot: There are ample scenic moments that capture the lush landscapes of these three diverse terrains beautifully. Be it the Roman piazzas, or the crowded streets of Bali the camera captures every detail and magnifies it to appease your senses. If you enjoy reading travelogues or watching 50 Best Places to Visit Before You Die on TLC then Eat, Pray, Love is like an extended version of an exciting colourful blog written by an expressive woman. Fans of the book won't be disappointed as there are direct references to passages and even dialogues from the material. Out of the three places, Italy offers the most fun setting, while the other two give the film a more serious tone.u00a0
u00a0
What's not: Casting Julia Roberts might give the project a global face, but she's clearly a miscast. It's Julia Roberts! Watching her deal with heartbreak, trouble letting go of a young ex-boyfriend while falling for another man on the way just seems like a set up. Despite her infectious laughter, ultra wide grin, and natural appeal there's zero chemistry between her and the men in the film, especially the attractive Javier Bardem. In fact the only person she seems to fall for is herself. Gilbert's story in the book was more of a honest revelation than a dramatised emotional meltdown leading to introspection. Here Robert's intentions seem gimmicky when she's at an Indian ashram getting law of attraction messages from a middle aged Texan, or locking eyes with an Indonesian doctor who claims to know her future.u00a0
u00a0
What to do: Watch it only if you worship Julia Roberts. Otherwise pick up the book which is far more honest and engaging than the film.
