From Self-Discovery to Upscale Downshifting: A Review of “Eat Pray Love”
The director, known for his work on a series about plastic surgeons, has transformed a popular self-help guide for women seeking self-discovery in exotic lands into a handbook for affluent housewives looking to downshift.
The film “Eat Pray Love” follows an American writer in her thirties (Julia Roberts) as she embarks on a journey through three countries beginning with the letter “I”: Italy, India, and Indonesia. In each location, she indulges in eating, praying, and loving, respectively, as she attempts to overcome post-divorce depression.
The Transformation from Book to Film
The core of Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling book, “Eat Pray Love,” which served as the basis for Ryan Murphy’s (“Nip/Tuck”) film, lay in Gilbert’s personality and her extensive musings on the essence of universal harmony. Understandably, the film condenses these reflections into a few thoughtful frowns on Roberts’ forehead, compensating for the lack of logical conclusions with dramatic sobs and enlightened smiles. While Julia Roberts’ acting prowess could have carried a slow-paced melodrama, she lacks the self-deprecating humor that was a key element of the book, alongside its exploration of Eastern religions. (The filmmakers’ own lack of self-awareness is evident in the film’s two-hour runtime, it should be noted).
Interesting Facts About the Film
- Julia Roberts gained five kilograms for her role in the film.
- “Eat Pray Love” has remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 190 weeks.
- During filming in India, police used bamboo sticks to keep onlookers away from the star.
- The film was shot around the world over two months, during which Roberts was accompanied by her husband and three children.
Focusing on the Exotic
By sidelining the “spiritual quest” and portraying the protagonist’s hysterics as random fluctuations, the filmmakers shift their focus to external exoticism, such as yoga in an Indian ashram or lessons from a Balinese guru. While Gilbert’s book was often criticized for oversimplification and pandering to its female readership, the film adaptation fully transforms into a guide to downshifting for wealthy housewives. To further illustrate this point, the director even cast Javier Bardem, Hollywood’s new heartthrob from Spain, as the new love interest. However, in his brief role as a sentimental romantic hero, Bardem, despite having won an Oscar for his portrayal of a ruthless killer, seems unsure of his purpose and why he agreed to the part.