The much anticipated summer movie Eat, Pray, Love, starring Julia Roberts, came out on Friday August 13th. I’ve read the book and had every intention of seeing the movie… until the movie reviews started rolling out.
I’m not expecting this movie to be a masterpiece of any kind, at the least, I’m hoping it will be worth seeing (at all), which I’m not too sure it is. Sadly.
First, the book. The story is one woman’s journey through Italy, India, and Bali; where she searches to find herself in the form of pizza, meditation, and a heartthrob. Yes, it is the story of a self-indulgent woman who drops everything, and hurts others, in order to make peace with herself. It sounds really awful, but it is something I can respect. Not all of us can drop what we are doing and live a fantasy life of (internationally) filling voids… but if I could, I’d do it in a heart beat. You know you would too. A chance to be selfish. A chance to whine. A chance to explore. Jackpot!
My favorite aspect of the book was all the travel. I love learning about different countries, cultures and traditions. The author stayed in each country for 4 months. This allowed her enough time to really become familiar with the locals and their customs. The reader follows her as she goes from novice traveler to expert in each country. Italy was superficial. Her heart was torn… what does one do when their heart is torn? They eat! So she did. In India she sought to become closer to God, this is where she became a student of meditation. This section was very educational and fascinating. She then went to Bali, where she did indeed find love, however it was Bali which was the most fascinating. The people of Bali are very unique, their social system and customs are like no other I’ve ever heard of. I loved it.
As for the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, I have no plans of reading any of her other books. I read this one because of the content. She was a selfish woman with a travel-itch, I can relate. Her writing style, not so much. She’s actually kind of boring.
Now the movie
From the previews, it doesn’t look that amazing. Julia Roberts seems like she phoned it in and it looks a little boring. Hopefully the scenery will keep me awake. As shallow as this woman’s story may seem, it was a very enlightening and spiritual journey, I’m worried the movie did not adequately capture that. Critics everywhere seem to be bashing it.
Today's Rotten Tomatoes Rating
Will I see it? Yes. Will I enjoy it? The verdict is still out. But I sure hope so!
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