Official Movie Website Theatrical Release 10/15/04 Home Video 3/22/05 MPAA Rating Rated R for some sexuality Running Time 1 hour 45 minutes Genre Drama, 1930's Directed by Istvan Szabo Cast Annette Bening, Jeremy Irons, Lucy Punch, Shaun Evans, Bruce Greenwood, Miriam Margolyes, Juliet Stevenson, Maury Chaykin, Michael Gambon Studio Sony Pictures Classics |
BEING JULIA
Lest you forget how sweet revenge truly is,
Ronald Harwood’s adaptation of W. Somerset
Maughm’s novella will bring back the flavor.
Aging, British actress Julia Lambert (Annette
Bening), bored with her life and her nightly
performances, is on the prowl for a little
excitement. And what could be more exciting
than a young, American admirer (Shaun Evans)
who is prepared to sweep her off her feet.
Unfortunately, he also has plans for using Julia as
a social stepping-stone on the Continent.
Set in England in the 1930’s, this period drama
transcends time when the wily Julia sets out to
even up the score with her paramour, her
philandering husband (Jeremy Irons), and a not-
so-promising starlet who tries to invade her
territory through the stage door. A master at what
she does, the diva puts on the performance of a
lifetime and regains her dignity on stage, and off.
Very well directed by Istvan Szabo, the cast gives
and excellent performance and, as an absorbed
audience, we are swept into Julia's world for 105
minutes.
Ronald Harwood’s adaptation of W. Somerset
Maughm’s novella will bring back the flavor.
Aging, British actress Julia Lambert (Annette
Bening), bored with her life and her nightly
performances, is on the prowl for a little
excitement. And what could be more exciting
than a young, American admirer (Shaun Evans)
who is prepared to sweep her off her feet.
Unfortunately, he also has plans for using Julia as
a social stepping-stone on the Continent.
Set in England in the 1930’s, this period drama
transcends time when the wily Julia sets out to
even up the score with her paramour, her
philandering husband (Jeremy Irons), and a not-
so-promising starlet who tries to invade her
territory through the stage door. A master at what
she does, the diva puts on the performance of a
lifetime and regains her dignity on stage, and off.
Very well directed by Istvan Szabo, the cast gives
and excellent performance and, as an absorbed
audience, we are swept into Julia's world for 105
minutes.
Brenda's comments
Poor Julia is a fool for a short time, but
makes her comeback as a true diva when
she manages to get three in one blow. A
masterpiece of revenge, with no bloodshed,
just shattered pride. Annette Bening is
wonderful in the role of Julia. Hats off to
director Istvan Szabo for a thoughtful
casting move. A real treat.
Poor Julia is a fool for a short time, but
makes her comeback as a true diva when
she manages to get three in one blow. A
masterpiece of revenge, with no bloodshed,
just shattered pride. Annette Bening is
wonderful in the role of Julia. Hats off to
director Istvan Szabo for a thoughtful
casting move. A real treat.
Mary's comments
Annette Bening is simply wonderful as the
scheming, plotting actress who has no
intention to go down easy. Her plan of
revenge is calculated and brilliant and her
execution, a work of art. Jeremy Irons is
perfect as her husband/agent who wishes
to keep his golden goose a laying. A fine,
entertaining film.
Annette Bening is simply wonderful as the
scheming, plotting actress who has no
intention to go down easy. Her plan of
revenge is calculated and brilliant and her
execution, a work of art. Jeremy Irons is
perfect as her husband/agent who wishes
to keep his golden goose a laying. A fine,
entertaining film.
© 2003 St. Louis Movie Review Weekly. All rights reserved, except where indicated.
All movie titles, pictures, etc...are the property of their respective studios
All movie titles, pictures, etc...are the property of their respective studios
| ST. LOUIS MOVIE REVIEW WEEKLY Brenda S. Ladd & Mary K. Morgan |
DVD Details
Disc Specs
Languages: English
Subtitles: English
Running Time: 1 hr. 43 mins.
Number of Discs: 1
Features:
· Director István Szabó, Annette
Bening and Jeremy Irons
Commentary
· Deleted Scenes
· "Behind the Scenes" featurette
· Previews
Languages: English
Subtitles: English
Running Time: 1 hr. 43 mins.
Number of Discs: 1
Features:
· Director István Szabó, Annette
Bening and Jeremy Irons
Commentary
· Deleted Scenes
· "Behind the Scenes" featurette
· Previews