Was it biologically possible for me to like the movie “Eat, Pray, Love?” I mean, after all, I’m a guy. But, I am a guy who invited two women to go see it with me, knowing that they would want to see the film. Of course, I did not read the book (I’m a guy, remember?), so I had no preconceptions about the movie. I did not read any reviews before seeing Julia Roberts’ latest effort, so I was a critical tabula rasa entering the multiplex.
After viewing the much-ballyhooed epic, what do I think? Well….it was great seeing James Franco and Javier Bardim onscreen. I was also thrilled to see Robert’s character visiting some of the exact spots I visited in Rome in April. But, though I love “Bollywood” movies, the scenes set in India certainly didn’t make me want to go there. Any “mysterious charm” factor seemed to be outweighed by the overall dirtiness and chaotic street scenes. What about Bali? If I thought I’d wind up on a beach with a naked Australian like “Liz,” the lead character, I’m there!
But, sadly, I didn’t share Liz’s journey with her. I wanted to go with her, but I was left in the dark at The Mall in Green Hills, with no emotional connection with her quest. Her trek seems unrealistic and irritatingly self-indulgent and the movie is not in synch with the zeitgeist of 2010. This women’s journey to Italy, India and Indonesia seeking gastronomic ecstasy, spiritual fulfillment and multiple orgasms cannot be perceived in the same spirit as it might have before The Great Depression II, the sequel.
With so many men and women out of work, their homes foreclosed, their 401Ks battered, their idealism shattered, it is just too big a leap to feel a lot of sympathy for Liz’s situation. Frankly, Julia/Liz comes off as just a little too old to still be traipsing around the globe, running away from life, attempting to eat her way through exotic locales in search of “real life.” Roberts is a good actress, but she is not the right woman for this job. I might have bought it if had been Kate Winslet, Hilary Swank, Charlize Theron (where in hell is she?) maybe even Gwyneth? You may disagree, but my verdict is: pay, watch, and forget. P.S. Did you realize it costs $10.50 to go to the movie now? Also not in synch with the zeitgeist!