by Rama Gaind
‘Eat, Pray, Love’ is a movie you should watch only if you want to see Julia Roberts (who plays Liz Gilbert) eating, praying and loving her way through Italy, India and Bali.
Based on a 2006 memoir by the American author, it’s all about her quest for a life balance following the break-up of her marriage.
Liz wants to acquire a renewed zest for life by travelling the world and discovering the power of nourishment, prayer and love.
First she indulges in her love of Italian food and wine and celebrates life with gay abandon.
However, life is a little harder in India as she strives to find spiritual rewards at an ashram. Here she develops a camaraderie with an American (Richard Jenkins) who is filled with remorse.
Finishing her year, Liz arrives in Bali and attains a certain calmness before meeting Felipe (Javier Bardem) who becomes her ‘love’ of the film title.
Director Ryan Murphy (‘Glee’), who co-wrote the film with Jennifer Salt, spends too much time submerging us in the delights of food and landscape.
Poor character development is a flaw that is further drowned in romanticism. Could it be that it was aimed at viewers who would contemplate these destinations for their next holiday?
Even the appeal of Roberts doesn’t save this film.
