Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) is unhappy about her marriage — and life in general. She realizes that something is missing and embarks on a year-long spiritual journey across Italy, India and Bali to try to glue the pieces of the puzzle together. By stepping out of her comfort zone, she experiences the trials and tribulations of what human beings like to call the "quest to find God and inner peace."
"No man is an island." Metaphysical English poet, John Donne (1572-1631) had it right. Human beings are complex but social animals. They want to find peace on their own and let fear rule their world. However, they often realize that happiness and love can only be achieved through acceptance of relationships. This is what Liz learns throughout her journey. The people she meets are all deeply scarred but they are on a quest that goes beyond mere survival.
Overall, "Eat Pray Love" is an honest attempt at dealing with spirituality in a world full of fears. However, the movie is too long — 133 minutes — and lacks depth and honesty. Julia Roberts fails to deliver a believable performance and the entire cast seems disconnected and uncomfortable. The only exception would be when Roberts and Richard Jenkins ("North Country") bond. Jenkins is the only really good actor in the movie. The ending is quite predictable and disappointing.
"Eat Pray Love" is based on the 2006 memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert — "Eat Pray Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy" — and is available on DVD and Blu-ray.
Director: Ryan Murphy
Producer: Dede Gardner, Brad Pitt
Screenplay: Ryan Murphy, Jennifer Salt
Cast: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Viola Davis, Billy Crudup, Javier Bardem
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Cendrine Marrouat is a freelance writer/reviewer, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
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