The trailer is here. I watched it with intense trepidation- knowing that I would be disappointed. And man am I. Julia Roberts is SO NOT ELIZABETH GILBERT. It kills me that they cast her in this role! What do you think?
** footnote: this does not mean I will not be in line opening night to see it.
Well it looks good to me but I haven’t read the book – I guess I need to, huh?! I do love the Florence and the Machine playing in the background, though! I can sympathize, though – there have been plenty of movies where the cast totally doesn’t live up to the characters in the book (ahem….Twilight, anyone?).
I absolutely loathed this book. I mean really. I threw it 100 yards on the beach of Nantucket after I was done because I thought it was such drivel. It took me three months (a record for me as I consume books) to finish because I couldn’t deal with Elizabeth Gilbert and her whininess. I don’t think that there is anything transcendental about her story as she took NO risks. Risk taking doesn’t mean getting an advance on a book deal that pays your way to a twelve month vacation. All she did was leave her husband and whether that was a sound idea remains a topic between her and him.
That said, I actually think that this trailer made the book look good. And thinking about it I couldn’t wrap my head around who they should have picked in Julia Roberts’ place. Perhaps Laura Dern? Christina Applegate? Kristen Bell maybe although she looks young. And for some reason Kate Bosworth pops into my head, but again with the age thing. Not sure these other actresses could have provided enough depth to make an audience sympathetic to Gilbert’s “plight” though…
I was another one who did NOT like the book at all—I so agree with you, Niki. I had no plans to watch the movie either since I disliked the book and am not a huge Julia Roberts fan, but this actually looks pretty good and I may now consider seeing it.
I would have rather seen Laura Linney as Elizabeth Gilbert, but I’m really hoping they took some liberties with the screenplay and made the film adaptation less whiny than the book.
Laura Linney would have been a good choice. I always pictured Kate Winslet in my head
I loved the book and def. don’t agree with Julia Robert for the role. I pictured Elizabeth a bit more gentle and less aggressive, but maybe that was just what I envisioned. I can’t wait to see it either though ;)
I enjoyed the book, and I couldn’t agree more–and it will affect me seeing this movie, seriously, Julia Roberts?? Was Giselle not available? Good Lord. Laura Linney would have been fantastic! Maybe Joan Allen? Traditionally gorgeous woman waxing poetic and wistful is just annoying, and cheapens the whole appeal of the book, to me.
Hmm, yeah, Julia R wouldn’t have been my first choice. She’s too confident in herself. Elizabeth Gilbert comes across as very unsure, always seeking, needing someone to reassure her. I don’t know what actress would’ve been better, but I’m not really seeing JR as her.
But hold up. Was that Javier Bardem as whats-his-name-the-brazilian-lover?! HELLO HONEY. I will be there in line with you, Erin!
WoW! Who knew Eat, Pray, Love would bring it all out of us!!!! I am still reading. I am at the end of India in the book. I have to share, I do NOT read. Ever. Even as a child, I would only read what I HAD to. For school, etc…Eat, Pray, Love is the first and only book I went to the book store to buy. And actually started reading it. And enjoying it! I find Elizabeth Gilbert hilarious. And relatable. I am not her, by any means. But, there are scenarios I can relate too. I believe she was honest. Call it whiny, perhaps? But, we all can be at time. I was shocked to see that a movie was coming out…I had no idea. And I was surprised to see America’s sweetheart, Julia, would be Elizabeth. Didn’t seem a good “fit” to me at first, but after seeing the trailer, I am excited to finish up the book and see the movie. I hear the movies hardly ever compare. Books are better. This will be my first chance to see. I say give Julia a chance. She hasn’t disappointed me before. Quite the opposite. I do think Kate Winslet would have been divine as well. Wonder what the REAL Elizabeth thinks? Please stand up.
I also did not like the book. I didn’t find it authentic enough to really get into. But I think casting Julia Roberts is perfect! I love her and think she will really bring the book to life. Can’t wait to see it.
It doesn’t look bad to me, but maybe that’s because I didn’t *love* the book so I’m not that invested. I will watch the movie, I think. Not sure about lining about opening night, though. I definitely will for SATC and the new Twilight.
julia roberts?? no. laura linney is whom i would have pictured; she would have been amazing in it. i am not a julia roberts fan, but will see the movie. how can people NOT like this book? weird. thanks for posting the trailer, erin!
I kind of know what you mean.. I’m not getting the same feel from the movie trailer that I got from the book. And I loved the book. I love Julia Roberts but maybe she’s a little too Hollywood-ized for this story (if that makes any sense!)
Yes! I agree with Alicia- Laura Linney would have been a good choice! But probably wouldn’t have had the same box office sales… and isn’t that what it’s all about these days?
I LOVED this book – absolutely adored it and devoured every page. I just watched the trailer fully expecting to hate it, because Julia Roberts is really not my favorite, but have come to realize that I loathe Julia Roberts the person (or what she portrays in interviews), but actually really like her as an actress. Kate Winslet might have been a better choice – we’ll see!
I find it difficult to believe that someone can say Eat, Pray, Love was not authentic. Come on – this was her real life. How much more authentic can it get? And whiney? When you go through a divorce and have to start again, how are you supposed to sound? Happy and chipper? I am thinking that any0one who has thinks Gilbert comes off as whiney has not dealt with gut-wreching siutations in their life. Goodness. I like a bok that is honest and packed with real emotion. Books writen just for the reader are not authentic. Obviously, I thought the book was fabulous. I am reading Committed now and am enjoying that as well. As for Julia Robets..I do think they could have made a better selection, but if she is a true actress she will be able to pull off the emotion conveyed by Gilbert in her book.
SO excited!!! Mainly because of the male cast. I LOVE Richard and am so psyched to see him on screen. And I hated David and her obsession with him but now that I see it’s James Franco… I might end up obsessed with him, too!
Couldn’t agree more about Julia Roberts. We needed someone more earthy… more like Holly Hunter!
Alaina
and I changed my mind… I wish they had a new, unknown actress as Elizabeth. Make her that much more relatable. Plus it would be a huge break-out role as this will be a hit regardless! Did I mention James Franco is in it?!? : )
Alaina
Totally agree with you, Erin. Julia Roberts can’t be anyone other than Julia Roberts. She’s totally not emotional enough, either. (Not that this will keep me from watching the movie!)
I’m also disappointed that they didn’t cast an actress closer in age to Gilbert when she had these experiences (ie, early 30′s). I’m in my early 30′s, and I liked that the book was about “us.” Casting someone in her early 40′s takes something away from why I connected to the story.
Kate Winslet. She’s the right age, totally talented, and appropriately emotional.
I am one of the very few people in the world who is not enchanted by Julia Roberts. I’m so over her! When I saw she was cast in this movie, I was devastated ;) Any other actress in the world but her. But I’m glad she’s the “right age”… Hollywood seems to be trending young, so I guess that is the only positive thing I can say !! I will definitely see this movie though! (I like your commentators suggesting Laura Linney!)
I simultaneously loved this book and totally understand why people would hate it. The movie looks like it might be a disaster. But I will probably be first in line to see it too!
From Jennifer Burcham: “I am thinking that anyone who thinks Gilbert comes off as whiney has not dealt with gut-wreching siutations in their life.”
What an unfair generalization of everyone who disliked the book! Clearly you connected with Gilbert’s writing in some way. I did not (although I did like certain parts of the book, particularly her time in Italy). That doesn’t mean I haven’t experienced my own gut-wrenching tragedies in my life simply because I’m not as enamored with the book as you and others are.
http://www.buzzsugar.com/Video-Trailer-Julia-Roberts-James-Franco-Javier-Bardem-Eat-Pray-Love-7815288
erin,
who would you have liked to see cast as elizabeth?
i don’t have a particular actress in mind, but it would have to be more of an “every woman”… and i just don’t think that’s julia roberts.
i could see anne heche in this role of self discovery
Hmmm. I enjoyed the book and have hope for Julia but low expectation. I always pictured Jenna Elfman (spelling?) in this role – a little goofiness needed. Can’t wait to see it regardless!
Erin- who would you have liked to see cast? I personally see someone as a little less glamorous. More frazzled I guess is what comes to mind for me.
Okay, I do love Julia typically, but not for this role. My vote would be for Kate Blanchett. Cannot wait for the movie!! :)
Thanks for posting that! I too absolutely loved the book and was very disappointed in the choice of Julia for the role. However, I was actually pleasantly surprised after viewing the trailer… I think she is going to pull it off.
Loved the book!! Julia Roberts is too confident,flirty and sarcastic! She plays the same character (almost) all of the time. I will see the movie though for the international scenes and the man candy!
Couldn’t stop thinking about Julia as Elizabeth all night, Yes, I can be a bit strange. I love Julia. I think she will do her justice. But, how awesome would Uma Therman or as much as I hate to say it….I think Anne Heche would do it well. But, all of this is idle chatter as the movie is done. That’s all.
I found it strange that this book became a bestseller when so many that have read it said it was whiny and slow paced. I only bought it because I figured with all the hype that it must have been an amazing read but was sorely disappointed. The movie looks a lot better than the book.
Anything is better than the book.
I need to read the book first and then watch it. As I havent read the book… what can I say… it doesnt look bad to me
I thought the book was written with authenticity and a rare blend of style and substance. So yes, I am a fan!
Julia Roberts plays the same character over and over and there never seems to be any subtlety in her acting.
And I think she is especially wrong for this role which begs for some sense of delicacy.
I am afraid that I will once again be disappointed by Hollywood’s skewed version of a good story.
But hey on a positive note, the locations and scenery look amazing!
Hm…I must be one of the only people who is ok with Julia in this role. I loved the book. I have the second book but haven’t started it yet. I think there could’ve been someone better for the role, but I’m still ok with Julia.