Elizabeth Gilbert's extremely popular 2006 memoir, "˜Eat Pray Love', is finally making its way to the big screen. Julia Roberts, who has been flirting with retirement for years now, dons the role of our leading lady while "˜Glee' creator Ryan Murphy serves as director. The film focuses in on Liz and her bold move to take a trip around the world in order to find her appetite for life, documenting her adventure through food, faith and love.
Usually when I hear that a book is going to be adapted into a film, I make sure I have read it. This time, though not entirely on purpose, I refrained. As a result I entered the theater with absolutely no expectations. I was completely unaware of any story changes or slight inconsistencies that come with almost every book to screen adaptation. I can honesty say that I am grateful for my lack of previous knowledge. I got to enjoy the film for what it was, not bogging myself down in the details that often serve as a distraction in films such as this. It was a different experience for me, but one that likely improved my overall reaction to this heartwarming tale of discovery and adventure.
When I discovered that James Franco was going to be a part of this film I was anxious to see what role he would play. I am a big fan of his but have been let down as of late thanks to his recent streak of "˜stoner' portrayals. Needless to say, he comes clean here, playing a late 20's aspiring actor and boy toy to our free-living Liz. He connects with the audience, making you feel for him as he realizes his dire love for our world traveler. Your heart breaks when he discovers his role in Liz's life, an innocent bystander to her humane need of affection.
In terms of the visuals, everything in this film is beautiful. From Rome and India to Bali and New York; every scenes is captured with undying elegance and grace. Director of photography Robert Richardson had a huge job to do in bringing this story to life; he succeeds with flying colors.
Many will complain that Liz was not relatable. Others will say that she is downright selfish. Her motives and sheer ability to afford this yearlong journey after a painful divorce that supposedly left her with nothing will likely be called into question, as will her current state of life post writer's fame and fortune. I didn't let those things distract me, and you shouldn't either. They are miniscule details that serve as only a grain of sand in this enchanting journey of life, love and self-perseverance.
For all intensive purposes, Eat Pray Love is a film for the ladies. Its sentimental story and somewhat long run time is sure to stir up emotions and will best be enjoyed with a group of close girlfriends. I will admit to crying on more than one occasion, but who couldn't with Robert's lighting up the screen and prompting us all to take a step back and look at our own lives?
