Some days you wake up and make what seems to be a simple decision, one hardly worth mentioning, and it turns out to be a choice that opens the door to a wonderful experience. While dawn was still breaking over Kansas City this morning, my sleep-addled brain brought forth the idea of taking advantage of my daughter’s return to work to take my wife out on a date to see Julie & Julia.
It was a good choice!
While I rarely choose to cook, and my current debt-reduction budget does not have room for a great deal of restaurant experimentation at the moment, I still consider myself something of a foodie. At least in the sense that I have been a fan of various culinary shows over the years (Naked Chef (Jamie Oliver), Forever Summer and Nigella Bites (Nigella Lawson), Everyday Italian (Giada De Laurentiis), No Reservations (Anthony Bourdain, and others) and I love food. Throw in the fact that I am a hopeless romantic and a nostalgia junkie and it should come as no surprise that I did not want to wait for Julie & Julia to come out on DVD before seeing it–this was a ‘trip to the theater’ event.
Julie & Julia purports to tell two true stories: That of the world famous Julia Child, and that of Child-inspired blogger Julia Powell. Writer/Director Nora Ephron brings together two memoirs: My Life in France by Julia Child and Julie & Julia by Julie Powell (with a healthy dose of Mastering the Art of French Cooking) to create an uplifting culinary delight. Here is as good a place as any to admit my adoration for Nora Ephron. While some no doubt consider her movies to be all sugar and no substance, I find them to be some of the most enjoyable romantic comedies that I have ever seen…and seen again, and again, and again, and…. When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, Bewitched, You’ve Got Mail…I’ve watched them all dozens of times, You’ve Got Mail being one of my absolute favorites. The structural similarities between You’ve Got Mail and Julie & Julia is only one of the many reasons I adored this film.
In many ways Julia Child was before my time, and she was quite arguably ahead of her own time. I do recall catching parts of her show off and on during childhood, but it is her presence–her Julia Child-ness–that I recall the most during my young adult and early adult years. Julia Child was a force, and one that did not appear to come with all the foibles and faux pas of celebrities today. Julie Powell, at least as presented in the film, was an aspiring writer with a childhood affection for Julia Child who stepped into the world of blogging to take on the challenge of working her way through Julia Child’s cookbook during the course of a single year.
It was easy right from the beginning to have an affinity with Julie Powell, who is a part of this cultural phenomenon that so many of us actively participate in on a daily basis. It certainly didn’t hurt to have her portrayed by Amy Adams, an actress who is such a joy to watch onscreen. Meryl Streep puts in what could only be described as an Oscar-worthy performance, bringing Julia Child to life on the big screen in a way that left me wanting to know more about this legendary personality. She was phenomenal, she really was. What an amazing performance. And Stanley Tucci was fantastic as well. Their portrayal of Julia and Paul’s relationship was rich and rewarding to see.
I enjoyed watching the back and forth storylines of both women, and the sets and outfits for the Julia Child storyline were just wonderful. And the food! I could almost smell the meals wafting through the screen. It is no surprise that the first thing we wanted to do after walking out of the theater was to eat!
While the plot structure of the film will not ‘wow!’ anyone with its inventiveness, it does do exactly what I needed it to do, which was to provide me with an upbeat, inspiring theatrical experience. A few times a year I need a movie to be romantic, fun, and feel-good. I don’t mind a little saccharine because I am the kind of person who generally gets a lot out of a movie like this. More than once I found myself tearing up, for good reasons, being really impressed with the relationship of Julia and Paul. It is refreshing to see marriage portrayed in this way on film, not lampooned or ridiculed, but quietly celebrated for the enriching experience it truly can be. Right now Meryl Streep has my vote!
I’d like to end this review (a 5/5 star movie experience for me) by pointing you to one of my newest blog roll members: Linda of Shoreacres. Linda writes some of the most enjoyable, captivating posts that I have encountered in the blogging community and everyone could take a lesson from the way in which she responds to comments left on her posts. I would love take this opportunity to introduce you to her work. Linda wrote this lovely post, inspired by the trailer of this film, among other things. As a non-review of the film, this post did as much for me wanting to see the film as the other positive reviews that I read. Whether you are interested in the film or not, you really won’t be disappointed by taking a moment to read Linda’s post.
Now if I only didn’t have to wait so long to read these two books (I’m number 110 in the library queue for Julie & Julia and #87 for My Life in France!)
I used to not pay attention to who had being working on what mainly because my brain does not allow me to remember that much especially when directors and writers are involved, unless I am anticipating a movie and obsessing about it. I loved ever single movie Nora Ephron has worked on and those that you listed. This seems like a must-see as it stars my beloved Meril Streep. As an actress she never disappoints ith her performances.
I read both of those books and LOVED them both (especially My Life In France). I went on a big Julia Child kick last year which was fun. I can’t wait to see this movie!!
Great review Carl, thanks! I read Julie & Julia and thoroughly enjoyed it, and am certainly going to try to see this film at the cinema when it comes to London (which is pretty soon, I think). Not such a huge fan of Nora Ephron’s movies (I don’t really do romantic) but one of my favourite novels for many years was Heartburn. Hope you enjoy J&J when you finally get the book!
Such a fabulously effusive review, Carl! I am itching to see the film but will probably have to wait for the DVD (debt-reducing of a kind… I am currently unemployed and have no option).
I read the book of the same title a couple of months ago and reviewed it; it was fun and a different journey from where my usual reading takes me. I am also a foodie and it definitely appealed to my senses.
Have you read Heartburn by Nora Ephron?
Claire: I certainly understand the waiting for DVD. There are several movies that have come out this year that I might have normally went to the theater to see that I have passed on due to living on a budget. And honestly I don’t really mind, but occasionally Mary and I just have to get out for a cheap date. I certainly wish for a quick resolution to your unemployment situation.
And no, I didn’t even realize Nora Ephron had written a book.
Bride of the Book God: You don’t do romantic? Awwww… 😉 I hope you enjoy the film. There is always that book to film issue, but perhaps this one won’t be such a big difference. Hopefully the wait for both books won’t be too tremendously long. I’ll have to pop over to your site to see if you did a review of Heartburn.
Daphne: I look forward to reading both books…sometime! 🙂 Years ago when I watched Under the Tuscan Sun I went on a Frances Mayes kick for awhile. I read both books (Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany) and part of a larger picture book that she had done. My wife picked up an inexpensive Italian cookbook and we discovered some new pasta recipes that we just loved. It was quite fun, and Under the Tuscan Sun is definitely one of those films we watch annually. I could see how it would be easy Julia Child kick after seeing this film. I told Mary that I was salivating over that Beef whatever that was such a prominent dish in the movie. Yum!
Harry: Well you’ll love Meryl Streep in this then, she is certainly not disappointing. She plays the role in a way that makes Julia Child’s joy and passion infectious. I was so impressed. I’m kind of a geek in following certain writers and directors. Not always religiously, but closely. For instance I’m going to see District 9 on Thursday almost entirely because Peter Jackson produced it. I haven’t even seen a trailer, just the posters. At this point I’m holding out and purposely not watching a trailer just because it will be fun to go into the theater and just be surprised.
Oh, then I will certainly love the movie, if the positivity is that infectious. I am known to be a magnet for movie moods and get easily affected by films and songs and such.
As I said, my memory doesn’t allow me much in the director/ writer area, but I do that following thing with actors. One good performance can make me follow movies simply because of that sole actor. Freaky, but it’s me.
I hope District 9 is good. Personally I am waiting for the musical Nine with Nicole Kidman and Marion Cotiar and 9, the apocalyptic stop motion movie.
I haven’t heard of the Kidman movie but I love both those actresses so I’ll be looking for that one. I am certainly going to see Tim Burton’s 9 in the theater. That looks great! I too hope District 9 is good. I’ve heard positive things.
I don’t think its freaky at all, there are several actors and actresses that I see their films simply because I like them. My first draw to Julie & Julia was honestly my affection for Amy Adams as an actress. I really enjoy her.
I am more than ready for the dvd of Star Trek to come out!! I smile just thinking of McCoy running around sticking his needle into Kirk.. and if you can’t laugh at “numb tongue” you have no sense of humor! Now.. if I can afford it when it comes out is yet another topic entirely
When is Meryl not good in a movie? She is probably one of the most talented actresses of our time.
I’ve been wanting to see this film and now you’ve convinced me to hire a babysitter and go see it!! THANKS!!
Stephanie: Yep, go see it. Drag someone along with you or don’t, depending on how that will affect your enjoyment of the film 🙂 and savor the experience! It really was fun and sweet.
Deslily: You must forgive my gutter mind, as reading “…McCoy running around sticking his needle into Kirk” made me snicker. I’m still snickering! But, ahem, I too am looking forward to it coming out on DVD. Got to work that into the budget somehow!
Hi Carl, no review of Heartburn I’m afraid, I read it such a long time ago (mid-1980s); possibly time for a revisit though…..
Bride: Ah, I misread your comment somehow and got the impression that you had just read it. I did go check your site and couldn’t find the link, so that makes sense. 🙂
*groan* well lessee guttermind.. giving the fact I loved DeForest as McCoy and think Urban is a cutie pahtootie as McCoy..”needle” would not be a word I would use to describe either of them LOL…
Deslily: LMAO! Yes indeed! 😉 I do apologize for my juvenile ways.
Carl, I’m just so appreciative of your kind words. And I must say, your noting my approach to comments warmed my heart. I’ve thought from the beginning that any blog post is only the beginning of a conversation. If the conversation’s to continue, much (if not most) of the responsibility is mine.
Living in the African bush, I began to appreciate the art of conversation for the first time. With no television, no radio, no computers and (depending on location) no lights, the ebb and flow of after-dinner thoughts was stimulating and pleasurable. It’s that sense of reflective exploration I love and hope to nurture.
I had to laugh at your remark that you didn’t know Nora Ephron had written a book. See? I’ve read her books but didn’t know she was involved with films. That is flat funny.
Shoreacres: That is indeed funny. Though I cannot imagine why it wouldn’t be plastered all over her books that she was a director and screenwriter. Odd, very odd.
Living in those conditions you describe would certainly make one need to master the art of conversation…or live in silence. What I appreciate about your posts and especially your response to comments is that it makes the reader, me at least, want to come back to continue that conversation rather than it being a one visit situation. I think you’re ability to generate that kind of repeat visit to a post is a gift and I appreciate watching it and being a part of it. You and James Harris (Auxillary Memory in my blog links) manage to unlock my long-windedness with your posts! Heaven help you both!
I wrote about this movie too, two Sundays ago. I loved it! And you’re right – I came out of the theatre, wanting to eat! It was lovely to see food being lovingly prepared, and NOT one world about diets or fads or anything but gorgeous food and love of eating. It was truly delightful, and will be one movie I’ll be getting on DVD when it comes out! Thanks for the superb review, Carl!
I can’t wait to see this movie! I finished Julie Powell’s book yesterday, and it was wonderful. Such a great look at how culinary concerns can merge with everyday life. I’m glad to hear that the movie is also wonderful.
Memory: I’m so glad to hear it. We are slowly but surely moving up the queue at the library for this.
Susan: I’ll have to check out your review. I hadn’t thought about the whole diet aspect, but you are completely right. I think that is why I like the cooking shows I listed at the beginning of this review…they all cook ‘real’ meals!
Carl,
I saw the movie last night and was absolutely entranced from beginning to end.
I was surprised to find myself as interested in Julie’s story as in Julia’s. It wasn’t Julie the cook who intrigued me, but Julie the blogger. There was so much to identify with – the mysteries of setting up a blog, the days of wondering, “Is anyone reading this?”, the breath-holding wait for the first comment. As for the phone calls from her mother, well… Nora Ephron must have had a tap on my phone for the past year – or perhaps on my own mother’s. Some of those conversations could have been verbatim.
The beauty of Ephron’s structure in the film is the nearly perfect parallel she draws between Julia’s experience with her book and Julie’s experience with her blog. In the end, the irony is that Julia doesn’t seem to see that parallel, while Julie has a hard time understanding Julia’s years-long struggle for recognition and succces might leave her slightly envious or dismissive of someone who seems to achieve her fame so quickly.
The only mystery to me about this film-going experience is why I was moved to tears as often as I was. When I figure THAT one out, I’ll let you know!
Linda, you are quite right. There is a great deal to identify with in Julie as a blogger. I certainly remember the ‘Is anyone reading this?” feeling, wondering what I was doing and why. I also can relate to how a blog can be really self-centered and take up a great deal of one’s time. That reminder of the need for balance is always a good one.
I told Mary afterwards that one of my assumptions is that Julia, at her age, probably was not into the whole blogging phenomenon and in that sense didn’t understand that Julie didn’t set out to get famous by using Julia Child, but that Julia Child was truly an inspiration to her. I was devastated for her when that happened, but at the same time certainly can undersstand where Julia Child was coming from, even if I don’t actually know the reason. Perhaps it is her age that makes me want to give her a pass.
I too was tearful often. Once was purely for Meryl Streep’s performance and once was tears of joy for the way Julia and Paul’s marriage was portrayed. The sheer joy of embracing life that was shown onscreen was such a delight that I couldn’t help but have an emotional reaction to it.
I am so pleased that you enjoyed the film.
Carl, if you haven’t read Julie & Julia yet, I’d be happy to send you my copy. Please email me your address if you’d like it. Thanks!
Hey i was wondering how much you would charge to set your blog graphic up on my web logs for me, because i truly like the look of your web logs but i don’t know how to set such a sweet theme.
I just had the pleasure of watching this film tonight on DVD ( thank you library! ) and I can’t agree with Carl more. I’m a romantic as well and it was great to see such positive portrayals of married couples. I’m a huge of Meryl Streep and she is incredible again. She truly is the finest of actress of her generation if not multiple generations. She also looks a lot like my late mother which is another reason I love her so much. A film like this makes me realize I have so much to learn about cooking and I want too. I guess one of my goals for the new year is become a better for my wife, family and friends.
If only I could edit my posts. Please note for above I’m a huge FAN of Meryl Streep and I want to become a better COOK for my wife, family and friends. Thanks!
Jeff: Damn! And here I was hoping you were going to become a better foot massager and personal financier for your friends! Ah well.
Glad you enjoyed the film so much. Meryl Streep is amazing!!!
Personal financier? well you did want my two cents the other day…
Foot massager? How about a better back massager? Wouldn’t that be better? I think my wife would vote for that!!! 🙂
Jeff: I was trying not to take it to that level, but hey, if that’s where you want to go then fine, I’ll be waiting. Just don’t be asking about happy endings! 😉
I am looking forward to seeing this. I like food movies. Watching food being prepared is comforting. Maybe that goes back to childhood when we hung out in the kitchen and watched our mom’s cook.
I enjoyed visiting last night. Thanks for having us over. We always enjoy you guys so much. Thanks for being an important part of our lives. Pass that on to Mary. I know she’s not checking email and I lost her email address in our linnux switch anyway.
It sounds like Karen’s mom may need to go to a hospice house or something soon. Judy’s not doing well. I think Karen is headed over there.
How is your friend Karina?
Jules: we had a really good time with you guys last night. It is always relaxing and a real pleasure.
I’m sorry to hear about Karen’s mom, and it is all that much worse being around the holidays. My grandmother took a bad turn today but is now doing much better. The last I heard Karina was doing well and they were going home, but I am still waiting on a more complete update. Thanks for asking.
I think you guys will love this film. It is so sweet, and Meryl Streep is amazing in it. My parents are supposed to come over and watch it with us tomorrow night.