The movie version of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, starring Julia Roberts, Gabriel Bardem and James Franco, has been the subject of much discussion since its announcement. Now the trailer has been released. The tinkly strummy background music and slightly groan-worthy dialogue — “I used to have this appetite for my life, and it is just gone” — didn’t convince me that the film will be worth seeing, although the scenery, wine and food look amazing, but then I didn’t like the book much, either. And memoirs-turned-film are often problematic; see the critiques of the Julie Powell portions of Julie & Julia for a refresher in how difficult it is for a memoirist’s voice to carry over into a film. Guess we’ll see how it all pans out in August. What do you think of the trailer?
Related in BookPage: Interview with Elizabeth Gilbert on Committed; review of Eat, Pray, Love; review of The Last American Man.
I had no interest in the book, but I admit the movie is one I could see myself checking out (albeit on DVD). You know I love a film set in exotic locations, and the shots in India & Bali in particular were gorgeous.
I didn’t much care for the book, but I’m not big on memoirs (too self-absorbed (by definition)). Like Steph, I’ll put it on my netflix list.
I’ll sign up for a Julia Roberts movie any day!
Especially if it’s costarring JAVIER Bardem!
But haven’t read the book so all I have to base myelf on is the trailer, which doesn’t look bad.
Our book club read this last year & absolutely loved it! We are anxiously awaiting the movie!