Eat Pray Love

JULIA Roberts is Liz Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love directed by Ryan Murphy, creator of the hit T.V. series Glee. This film, which is adapted from the best selling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, proves that there really is more than one way to let yourself go, and see the world at the same time.
For those who have not read the book, the film is very easy to follow. It is about Gilbert, a successful writer in her mid thirties who had everything a modern woman is supposed to dream of, a husband, a house, a successful career. Yet like so many others, she found herself lost, confused and searching for what she really wanted in life.  

While trying to get pregnant she realises her life needs to go in a different direction. She ends her marriage to her sweet but hapless husband Stephen (Billy Crudup). Newly divorced and at a crossroads in her life, she steps out of her comfort zone, risking everything for change. Shortly after the spilt she meets a handsome young actor David (James Franco). However when things don’t work out she is left devastated and alone.

In order to give herself the time and space to find out who she is and what she really wants, she drops everything, gets rid of her belongings, quits her job and undertakes a yearlong journey around the world alone. The film follows Liz’s journey as she meets new people and experiences new things.

Stopping off first in Italy she immerses herself in the culture, learning the language and overindulging in the local cuisine. Her next stop India provides a different cultural experience and so her journey continues.

The Gilbert Italian diet is ‘a no calorie counting diet’, which Julia Roberts experienced, as she gained up to 10lbs while filming in Italy, reportedly having to eat up to 10 slices of pizza a day. If this is how Roberts looks after gaining 10lbs then there will be a lot of woman queuing up for the pizza and pasta diet.
The film menders through beautiful locations with emphasis on the scenery, flowers and food but always comes back to Liz’s longing for independence and longing to be loved.
Roberts, whose excellent performance in the lead role was obviously helped by the fact that she is a self confessed fan of Gilbert’s best selling book (7 million copies sold worldwide in 40 different languages).

Not only did the film’s locations echo Liz’s actually journey, the scenes were also filmed in chronological order which Julia Roberts believes added to her performance. Her role allowed her to display buckets of emotion as a woman seeking answers to life’s big questions. She delivers a Liz Gilbert who is both relatable and likeable.

The relaxed, meditative film, which is produced by Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner, is ultimately charming and inspirational. Giving a beautiful, very honest and very tender account of a 30 something woman searching for meaning to her life.

The portrayal of the life of travel and freedom will connect with the female audience as it offers female wish fulfilment. However it probably should be aimed at the teenage audience to fill them with possible dreams instead of filling middle aged woman with regret. With some Hot Hollywood men thrown in (Javier Bardem, James Franco and Billy Crudup) this chick flick will have some shed tears a number of times throughout the 140 minutes.  
Eat Pray Love is full of life, loving, emotions and lots of good eating. This is definitely one for the girls to see.
Fans of the book who are eagerly anticipating the release of this movie won’t be disappointed as its romantic, touching and fun.