Writer/Director: Ryan Murphy
Starring: Viola Davis, Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actresses in Hollywood are as beloved as Viola Davis. Ever since her rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Davis has become a feminist icon in the film industry. Whether it’s housekeepers, African tribe leaders or famous singers, Davis has portrayed several compelling characters. Arguably, Davis’ finest strength as an actress has always been her strong presence. She is one of those actresses that has often excelled at playing strong feminist characters. She has always had an aptitude for commanding every scene through her powerful presence. Through her abilities to play feminist heroines that are compelling, Davis has built a legacy which is lasting. A beloved figure in Hollywood, Davis has stood the test of time as an actress with a strong livelihood. A commemorated symbol of empowerment in the black community, Davis has built a lasting legacy: Throughout her enduring career, Davis has portrayed countless powerful characters that are compelling.
I’m a huge fan of Davis and adore all the films that she has made in her career. However, “Eat Pray Love” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2010, Ryan Murphy’s movie offered a strong adaption of a bold book about soul-searching women. Packed with breathtaking production-design, engaging storytelling and outstanding acting, it’s one of the finest book adaptations ever made. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Viola Davis, who embodies a woman facing an existential crisis. Ultimately, what makes “Eat Pray Love” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about philosophical women, it tackles themes which everyone would relate to. A riveting adaptation of a beloved book, there are countless reasons why “Eat Pray Love” is a movie which is worth seeing.
Based on the iconic book, “Eat Pray Love” tells the story of a soulful woman which seeks love. Julia Roberts portrays Liz Gilbert, a charming woman seeking meaning in life. Despite having everything in the world that a woman possibly could ask for, Liz has always failed to find any satisfaction in life. Seeking a greater sense of meaning, Liz embarks on a journey to discover her identity. Travelling across the world during a cross-country trip, Liz seeks to overcome life hardship. On her trip, Liz develops a friendship with a woman with similar goals (Viola Davis). However, Liz’s life dramatically changes when she falls in love in a relationship which causes a disaster. As all the odds are stacked against her favour, Liz begins to question whether she can ever find meaning in a doomed life facing disaster.
Ryan Murphy is fascinated with the themes of existential crisis. A fantastic filmmaker, Murphy has often made engaging films about women facing disaster. His iconic movie “Running With Scissors” offered a strong portrait of mothers carrying the weight of the world on shoulders. With “Eat Pray Love”, however, Murphy crafted his first ever adaptation. It was Murphy’s first attempt to adapt a celebrated book about the lives of women facing adversity but he pulled it off successfully. Using strong cinematography, Murphy captures a woman’s journey to find her identity. Inspired by Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump”, Murphy effectively uses point-of-view shots to capture the hardships soulful women go through. For instance, POV shots enhance the existential crisis scene. During this intense scene, Liz experiences an existential crisis by questioning the meanings of her life. Through stunning POV shots, Murphy celebrates a book about women seeking life meaning. POV shots are complex techniques to use in film. As Denis Villeneuve’s “Prisoners” suggested, POV shots enhance crime thrillers about child abductions. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Using strong visuals, Murphy honours a beloved book about women that are inspiring.
Another admirable aspect of “Eat Pray Love” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well made. Murphy effectively uses locations across the world to capture the hopeless lives of women that face tensions. Throughout the movie, Murphy successfully uses locations in the world to capture women seeking meaning. For instance, locations enhance the Bali yoga scene. During this unforgettable scene, Liz is introduced to the powers of yoga at a therapy centre in Bali. Through captivating locations, Murphy constructs a portrait of soul-searching women which is compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Dario Marianelli’s music is key towards the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the painful burden women which women that seek meaning bear. Through bold production, Murphy honours a beloved book about women seeking direction.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Eat Pray Love” is a movie about philosophy which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and successfully employs voice-over narration to capture women facing tensions. Throughout the movie, Murphy successfully uses voice-over narration to capture lives of women which seek greater life direction. For instance, the narration enhances the farewell scene. During this memorable scene, Liz bids emotional farewell to her companions in Bali as she embarks on a journey. Through voice-over narration, Murphy creates a portrait of women which audiences can easily relate to. Voice-over narration is a complex technique to use in movies. Tate Taylor’s “The Help” proved that narration enhances commemorated movies about helpful housekeepers. Nevertheless, it works expertly in this movie. Through a powerful screenplay, Murphy honours a commemorated book about women facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Viola Davis delivers one of her best career performances as Delia Shiraz. Davis first earned appreciation for playing widowed women in crime films. With “Eat Pray Love”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to play a woman that embarks on a journey to find her identity but she succeeds tremendously. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charming and emotional in her most iconic role. Davis has excelled at portraying emotional woman under stress, and “Eat Pray Love” showcased her strength as an actress. With mesmerizing expressions, she captures the angst, grief and resilience of a woman seeking life directions. It’s an exceptional performance by one of the finest actresses today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Davis, the supporting cast is also amazing and deserving of appreciation. Julia Roberts is riveting, capturing charisma of a woman that faces an existential crisis causing a dilemma. Javier Bardem is brilliant, capturing charming nature of a man that falls in love with a tourist woman which causes disaster. Lastly, Richard Jenkins merits appreciation. As a philosophical man, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Ear Pray Love” would earn recognition of everyone for honouring a book about love. Unlike most literature adaptations, the movie tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including anxiety, mental health and reflections that will resonate among everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about mental health which will resonate without a doubt with everyone. Therefore, “Eat Pray Love” is one of those rare literary adaptations which everyone would adore.
Fans of Viola Davis would definitely appreciate “Eat Pray Love” and so would audiences that seek meaningful entertainment. A captivating adaptation of a beloved book, it celebrates an actor that deserves recognition.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about women seeking greater life direction, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actress with strong dedication towards her craft that has made unforgettable movies throughout her career which are definitely without a single doubt worthy of celebration.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 