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PDF versionEat. Pray. Love. Alas.
Aug. 20, 2010
Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem in Eat Pray Love
Let's face it. There are some books that should never be made into movies.
Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth "Liz" Gilbert, my favorite book of 2008, is one of these.
I wanted to like the film, but got an inkling it might not live up to my expectations when I saw Julia Roberts, who plays Liz in the film, ride a bicycle along a tropical byway with what looks like a pasted-on smile. It didn't ring true and in my heart of hearts, I knew that the film might look good, but would miss the depth of Liz's one-year search for meaning.
I usually love it when I am right (I cheer after every Jeopardy answer I get right, much to the dismay of my community). Alas, I am just disappointed at being right about this movie. The film is OK, but never was able to convey the experience of grace that the book did so well.
The main reason for this is because of the writing. The veteran and proven writers (Ryan Murphy and Jennifer Salt; Murphy also directs) did a good job of assembling the events of the film which is technically proficient, but perfunctory. The cinematography is lovely, but they did not get to the level of feeling or emotional angst, or create the spiritual desert of the book — and cinema is an emotional medium. They dragged out the events that led up to Liz's decision to take a year to eat, pray and love as a way to search for meaning and wholeness, but they never let us feel it. Even with the handsome Billy Crudup as Liz's husband and James Franco as David, with whom she had another relationship that was destined to fail, the script lacks soul. This is a huge failing. The producers should have hired writers who had lived through the experience of their interior world falling apart, as Liz's did. Empathy goes far in cinema.
The writers left out two key aspects of the book that might have made up for the emotional deficiencies of the first act: the fact that Liz claimed to know every gelato place in Rome and her sister's visit while there.
In the book Liz compares her sister Catherine's world view with her own developing spiritual perspective: "A family in my sister's neighborhood was recently stricken with a double tragedy, when both a young mother and her three-year old son were diagnosed with cancer. When Catherine told me about this, I could only say, shocked, 'Dear God, that family needs grace.' She replied firmly, 'That family needs casseroles,' and then proceeded to organize the entire neighborhood into bringing that family dinner, in shifts, every single night, for an entire year. I do not know if my sister realizes that this is grace."
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Some have criticized Liz's character in the film for going along with the arranged marriage of one of the women she meets in the ashram in India. Critics think Liz should have helped the girl resist but didn't. I don't recall this episode from the book, and actually found this side-story distracting. Besides, do critics think Liz was on a crusade during this year? She barely had her own life together let alone the ability to take on centuries of tradition.
The one stellar performance in the film is by Richard Jenkins ("The Visitor"), who plays Richard the Texan and befriends Liz by telling her the truth about forgiveness. Jenkins didn't just go through the motions for this film; his character was authentic and credible. Actually, the Indian portion of the film was the high point for me -- not because of meditation and Hindu ritual, but because we could feel Richard's anguish and his truth.
Since we are on the topic of Hindusim, let me address Julia Robert's "conversion" to this eastern religion and the Catholic response to it (see http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/eat-pray-love-attracts...).
I didn't know Julia Roberts was a baptized Catholic. I asked a friend today, who is an active Catholic in the industry, if she was aware of this. She said she had heard something here and there about Julia and her brother Eric being Catholic, but had never seen it confirmed. Now it seems Julia's father was Protestant and her mother a Catholic and Julia now says she is a practicing Hindu.
Here's the deal. Instead of castigating Julia Roberts for becoming a Hindu, or maybe judging author Liz Gilbert for not turning to her early Protestant roots, however thin, why don't we ask: why did Christianity not respond to their search for meaning when they needed it? Where was the Christian community in Gilbert's time of need? How did we fail as Christians and church to speak to their existential questions? Why blame Julia? Alas.
Then, wasn't it Flannery O'Connor who once wrote that many people come to the church by means the church does not approve? I think of Venerable Francis Libermann (1804-1852) founder of the Spiritans (Congregation of the Holy Ghost). In the midst of great spiritual distress and distance from his orthodox Jewish father, he read Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Emile (1762), a book that offended both Catholics and Protestants because it denies original sin (and other things though it does not seem to have made it to the Index of Forbidden Books.) But it became the spark of grace that led to his conversion to Catholicism. See Adrian Van Kaam's 1984 book Light to the Gentiles, arguably one of the best biographies ever written in my humble opinion (http://www.amazon.com/Light-Gentiles-Adrian-van-Kaam/dp/0819138045).
Elizabeth Gilbert could have borrowed for her book the title Adventures in Grace from Raissa Maritain's now out of print memoir about converting to Catholicism in early 20th century Paris. Gilbert's adventures (and Julia's) have not led them to the fullness of the Christian faith -- yet. Romans 5:20 comes to mind.
Why do we want authors and movie stars to do our work for us? Why can we not make Eat Pray Love the subject of evangelization and catechesis as the U.S. bishops' 2005 document "The National Directory for Catechesis" suggests? (See Chapter Ten). Millions will see the film in theaters and on DVD and then television or via the Internet. Do church officials think that by denigrating the actor and the film they will contribute to the new evangelization? How does that work, exactly?
Watching "Eat Pray Love" was like watching television lite. It could have been so much more. I think a television mini-series might have been the better medium. But never mind. It's too late now. The book touched my soul; the movie my wallet. Alas.
I agree that this book should
I agree that this book should never have been made into a movie. What was captivating was not the story line, but the way it was told!
Funny, I thought the book was
Funny, I thought the book was also a bit flat and didn't really portray the depth of such a journey of searching and seeking. I enjoyed the film because of Julia Roberts even though I agree with Sr. Rose that the message was misleading and flashy. I would not want to see a mini-series of this book. I think there's already been too much made of it. Then again, this is the opinion of one who has made such a journey and have difficulty finding the words to describe most of it. If it helps people to step onto a journey--be it literal or metaphorical--than I will applaud. But I hope people won't expect it to be as simple as Gilbert describes it. At least that has not been my experience. And it doesn't end with the writing of a book or the making of a movie. It is, at the very least, a lifelong process of change and transforming. Did I miss the part in the book that shows her transformation?
First of all, I have only
First of all, I have only seen one motion picture (and I've watched movies from the '40s to present day, so I've seen many) which was an improvement, not a disappointment, over the book from which the movie was made...and that was "Julie & Julia"!! Films are always a disappointment if you've read the book first!
Gilbert has some wonderfully deep spiritual insights...but they doesn't make for a good script and so these are sadly missing & that's what makes the movie "Eat. Pray. Love" much more shallow than the book...
Second, why did Christianity not respond to their search for meaning when they needed it? Where was the Christian community in Gilbert's time of need? How did we fail as Christians and church to speak to their existential questions?....
The Catholic Church has been far too interested in being a hierarchical dominion with "all the answers"...but it has not and is not willing to walk with people in their developing spiritual lives where questions are asked & pondered; instead, the monolith prefers to give quick & pat answers (called "doctrine") rather than help people ascertain the movement of God in their lives. Having failed to share with people the depth of riches of spirituality, the church revels in "devotions" without actually opening up the treasures of the saints (e.g., Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, the Rhineland mystics, etc.). The Church goes for easy and simple...stick to rules and make people do the same...it's why we're in such conflict, theologically & socially, that we are now. Each person & soul is NOT valued by the Church except as it adds to "membership"...
Thank goodness for vowed religious and spiritual directors...they have taken up the task of walking with pilgrims while the Church sits in its nest and merely counts heads!!
Thanks to Sr. Rose and to you
Thanks to Sr. Rose and to you also, Rachel. I had read that the book was better than the movie. It makes me more than ever impatient that my library take it off the 14-day list.
I especially thank you, Rachel, for the acknowledgement that "being with", supporting, attentive & deep listening, active compassion are absolutely necessary in our times. How do we fail, as Christians and church, in solidarity with the suffering? And thank you for your acknowledgement of vowed religious (I take it these are vowed religious women of whom you speak)The only problem I have here is that you seem to say they aren't Church. On the contrary, vowed religious women and spiritual directors are sometimes the real church (People of God) which includes ourselves as well.
Ya know, I liked the side
Ya know, I liked the side story about the young Hindu girl getting married....I liked that Liz dedicates her loving-kindness meditation to her. I think Catholics "get" the notion of praying for someone else!
RIGHT ON! I loved the book,
RIGHT ON! I loved the book, too...did not see the movie and after your commetns will not see it. thanks
I am wondering why people
I am wondering why people make so much noise aboutstars changing their religions. There are millions daily change their religions for the sake of satisfactions in their spiritual life.
Practically all the religions are male chavanism and patriarchal at its base. so by changing religion if one is leading the prophetic life: for the highest good of all! then that should be good religion of love! not sectarianism.
I am wondering will the hundu fundamentalist stop persecuiting the christians and Muslims in India after getting a gift of Julia Roberts in their party?
will they be banking on her financial support to fuel the work of setting one religion against another?
will her presence feed the millions hungry fed by the NGOs and other Charitable organizations or feed the power hungry for their fanaticism?
What a great review! My Book
What a great review! My Book Club is in the process of reading Eat Pray Love, and will be seeing the movie after. It will be interesting to see if they too have the same reaction to the book and then the movie. Since we're mostly Catholics, it will be interesting to hear what they have to say about "faith" and "religion" - and the role Catholics are supposed to have via the U.S. bishops' 2005 document "The National Directory for Catechesis".
I can hardly wait for the discussion about "grace". Thank you, thank you.
Alas, indeed Rose. Eat,
Alas, indeed Rose. Eat, Pray, Love is also one of my favorite books (my professors at Santa Clara University's School of Pastoral Ministries might be horrified)and I was left feeling very dissatisfied with the film. The depth of Liz's anguish and her serious journey were not conveyed.
I agree that Richard Jenkins so captured Richard from Texas! His retelling of his story was the best moment in the film.
Best wishes,
Claudia Buchner
Loved the review! Perhaps the
Loved the review! Perhaps the movie is more like a conversation starter about searching. I had listened to the book, so I was not looking for any significant message. I had hoped to enjoy the Italy section more than I did.
I thought that
I thought that "Eat,Pray,Love" was one of the trashiest books I have ever encountered and the author a narcissist of the first order. Using "Pray" in her title does not make her or the book spiritual in any way. But the title does indeed correctly infer that everywhere she goes and everyone she meets is all about her.
Did you actually read the
Did you actually read the book? Gilbert has some very, very deep spirituality in between the fun stuff...applicable to Catholics, Christianity, et al.!!
Great reflection on the movie
Great reflection on the movie and great questions to the Catholic and Christian community following. Will see it and will take the suggestion to use it in Catechesis. Thanks!
I agree 100% with this
I agree 100% with this author. I usually don't like movies as a spin off of a book but in this case I not only felt the movie was weak but I thought it did a great injustice to the book. Had I not read the book first, I would have thought the movie was a cute story and would not have been compelled to read the book. I am sorry that Liz Gilbert sold the rights to her book to Hollywood. I am an avid reader and this book was one of my all time favorites.
I agree with your last part
I agree with your last part about us christians wanting others to do our work for us or that everyone should become Christian just because that would make us happy. Anyway...good review.
I just returned from seeing
I just returned from seeing Eat Pray Love and I found it profoundly moving. I do like Julia Roberts and I believe that her maturing throughout this film was wonderful. She as Liz, found a way of being and she needed to learn to trust. I believe she ended up doing both. I agree that Richard Jenkins deserves kudos for his role. It is true that it would be wonderful to find what she sought in the Catholic Church but as long as we preach one thing and live another ( church leaders that is) it is hard to turn to it for emotional and spiritual support
I've seen the title of the
I've seen the title of the book all over the place and it turned me off as I thought it was another version of New Age Spirituality. Having read this review of the movie, I'm now really interested in reading the book..Eat Pray Love. I don't know who you are Sister Rose Pacatte but I thoroughly liked what you had to say. In particular I find your questions so on target....I have asked the same questions myself as it relates to the struggle which was my life..questions like
"Why did Christianity not respond to their search for meaning when they needed it ? Where was the Christian community in Gilbert's time of need? How do we fail as Christians and church to speak to thier existential questions?
From my own personal experience, in my own moments of extreme crisis, in the agony of the struggle....in the crucible that often is life, it is God himself who graces us.
Really? There are
Really? There are intelligent, observant people out there who enjoyed this self-absorbed pulp?
When I was 23 years old, having paid off my student loans (state schools' tuition, baby!) and saved up $5,000 from my first job out of college, I packed my backpack and took off to see the world as a solo female backpacker. I had an amazing trip, replete with loneliness, searching, discovering, companionship, adventure, questions, fear, uncertainty, spontaneity and disciplined spending. I knew by the end of that trip that there are a million ways to live a life and there is no real world vs. an escapist fantasy. I knew I could have stayed in one of dozens of places along the way to build a life there.
Thanks be to God, I made smart decisions and stayed safe. I did not use anybody (despite my loneliness). On a train between an airport and my first stop back int he U.S. I ran into a man (45ish) who worked for FEMA. He asked me about my travels and I was a bit sheepish, having gotten used to everybody "back home" thinking I had gone off the deep end. He assured me that those experiences would stay with me for the rest of my life and would continue to inform my choices as life went on. It was certainly as useful as if it were a "master's degree in life". I stepped off the train with my head held high, seeing a picture of who I might be in the future, encouraging other travelers and drawing constantly from my new perspectives gained on the world.
This is the reason why I read with pity this book about a self-absorbed person who was constantly clinging to one person or another, using and being used by other people. Its great that at an older age she got to see the world, but it was always as an outsider looking in. She found people who were just like her and she relished the privileged and security afforded her as a White Westerner with credit cards and a nice smile (green card-the best perfume, ladies, trust me). Without her credit cards and status, she would have experienced suffering and the growth that comes with it rather than a head full of colorful snapshot memories and a list of acquaintances with whom she will never correspond after returning home.
If you are reading this and you are a single woman, borrow a backpack and hit the road. See things for yourself before you get cynical about life and think you have to walk out on a husband to see the world for the first time. Then, with God's grace, you can choose one of those dozens of lives which lie before you and you will have been formed into a wonderful and interesting person who is not going to settle for second best in life.
I would say that everyone's
I would say that everyone's journey is different and everyone responds to God in ways differing, too. Perhaps this was not the book or story for you but this doesn't mean Liz's journey was any less precious. I know I am not finished yet; thank God! As one of the saints said, there is nothing worse than a boring saint in the making!
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