That said, if you're thinking a Roberts-Bardem pairing sounds odd and/or like a sign of the apocalypse, don't fret: I'm right there with you. Picturing the two Oscar winners together is a headscratcher far more puzzling than figuring out the last movie Roberts was in that was a hit. (That'd be Erin Brockovich.The Ocean's series doesn't count since she had help from 7.6 other A-listers.) To be sure, Roberts can do romantic comedies in her sleep (she has, actually…it was called America's Sweethearts) and Bardem terrifically showed his sultry side in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It's the two of them together that's the problem: The sexy Spaniard with the American motormouth. I just don't buy it. Then again, Roberts looks nothing like Elizabeth Gilbert, so it seems like a suspension of belief will be required to get within 10 feet of this movie.
Speaking of the movie, with Ryan Murphy of Nip/Tuck and Glee at the helm and Bardem and Richard Jenkins on board for supporting roles, Eat, Pray Love actually does sound quite promising — the questionable casting aside. It is Roberts' best opportunity yet to win audiences back after her absence and the depressing box office crash-and-burn of her quite-excellent thriller, Duplicity. For those of you who have read Gilbert's book, what do you think of Bardem's casting as Felipe: Inspired, or typical Hollywood glam-ification? Do you also share my anxiety at the prospect of seeing Anton Chigurh romance Pretty Woman?
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Maybe it’s just me, but it doesn’t really seem all that weird.
It actually kind of reminds me of the Roberts/Clive Owen pairing. (I’m thinking more “Closer” than “Duplicity”. Bardem has the same dark good looks, and it sounds like a promising project so far.
Is Felipe the sexy journalist she flirts with the idea of having a relationship with…if so then yes that will work. However if he is playing the man who ineviteably becomes Elizabeth Gilbert’s husband, he’s about 20 years too young.
I like the idea.
I just can’t believe this movie is a good idea, and this casting doesn’t make me any more enthusiastic about it.
Seems weird to me. Sorry but Julia’s just not a superstar anymore and I’ll bet anything she’ll be so busy hamming it up for camera time and stuff the chemistry balance would be way off.
I am glad someone else noticed that she doesn’t have chemistry with big stars (brad, tom, GEORGE CLOONEY!) but she did have it with Richard Gere and that old dude Nick Nolty. Clive Owen has chemistry with everyone (especially Natalie Portman) so that doesn’t count.
Javier was so superb in VCB with all those women I think for hthe first time he won’t have that kind of chemistry with his female co-stars
The book was horrible, self-congratulatory and completely vain. I can’t see any reason to turn it into a movie.
Why not? They’re both skilled actors. I thought she and Pitt were great in The Mexican. And much as I love Hanks, he hasn’t had great chemistry with any of his leading ladies lately. So I don’t think you can lay that on Julia.
People are so excited about this book.. why?? Seriously. The first 1/3 of the book was pretty great (Italy), the second was okay but bordered on boring (India) and the last third was just, frankly, ridiculous and so obvious Elizabeth was trying to plaster on a “happy ending” on a really sad settlement with an old guy with chest hair who wouldn’t commit on land.
Julia will be great in the role; the problem is the book is horrible at the end and Javier sounds much better than the man she ended up with! Quite unbelievable for the reader.
Time for Julia to retire. No one wants to see her in movies anymore. She’s not versatile enough (or frankly, good enough) for a career beyond the cutesy stuff. Same for Meg Ryan. Neither of them will have longevity like Streep or Close or Mirren or Dench.
I like this book and loathe Julia Roberts, so the movie was already ruined for me when she was cast. Seriously, she’s going to be terrible as always. I think Javier is miscast, but at least he can act . . . so let’s replace Julia instead! Elisabeth Shue looks more like the author. Or how about Kate Winslet? Julia’s last movie tanked anyway, so might as well get someone with some talent in there.
I couldn’t agree more!! I refuse to see this movie. Julie Roberts? I was thinking of Juliette from Lost.
Elizabeth Mitchell reminds me more of Elizabeth Gilbert than any other actress. Obviously, she’s not as big of a star but I would have liked to have seen her in the lead role.
I thought I was the only one who saw Elizbeth Mitchell in this role – she is such a compelling actress – PERFECT for this role…..sigh. And Javier Bardem would have had such wonderful, sexy chemistry with her.
I don’t mind Julia in this role, but Javier Bardem is way too young for the role of Felipe.
I quit going to Julia Roberts movies before she did The Mexican. I think she needs to stretch herself as an actress, she’s my age and really good younger actresses are biting at her heels.
great book. I can’t stand her acting. She plays herself in EVERY movie. I still am convinced her role in Erin Brockavich was not Oscar-worthy in the slightest. (Must’ve been a slow Oscar year)) Love Bardem, but he’s too young. If they’re gonna ruin the casting with her for what’ll surely be a vanity project, than at least he’ll bring some acting chops to his role.
Duplicity was really good…it’s too bad it wasn’t more of a success.
I agree with the Elizabeth Mitchell and Elizabeth Shue suggestions. Roberts is famously a fan of the book, but that doesn’t mean she’ll be good in the movie. And Bardem is much, much too young! Felipe’s age is important as it really shapes their story. I would think more along the lines of Michael Nouri. But this is Hollywood, which means they’ll butcher a perfectly lovely book.
I look forward to this pairing. It seems quite interesting. They are both great actors, and I look forward to seeing this.
Elizabeth Mitchell should be doing this movie. I love Javier Bardem but he is too young for the role. If they age him he will make it work.
I’m excited about the movie. Javier Bardem is a great actor and Julia can do a great job also if she puts her mind to it. She needs to relax and not worry about her kids. They’ll be fine..Go Julia
Elizabeth Shue, Kate Winslett would have made a fantastic Elizabeth. Julia Roberts looks too old.
Love Javier Bardem as Felippe but they need to age him.
People, did any of you see the Spanish movie that won the Best Foreign film award in 2004, The Sea Inside??
Javier Bardem played the lead, they made him look like a man in his fifties, and he was still sexy as hell. He is a fabulous actor and will do great in the part.
So, relax, it’s Hollywood, remember?? They aren’t going to play him as a younger man.
Casting Julia Roberts has ruined the beauty,spirituality and essence of the book. I’m so disappointed and quite frankly disgusted. Julia Roberts doesn’t capture any qualities or depth of Elizabeth Gilbert. Typical Hollywood sell out.
Julia Roberts? I don’t think soooo.
Nope not her when I listened to the audio book (Elizabeth did her own) I did not see a big set of teeth. Instead I saw a Gwenyth Paltrow, Elizabeth Mitchell kinda lady.
I love everything about ELP & to see it go Hollywood is dissappionting. But Javier will be the awesome (with aging makeup) that voice, that look that man!Yes keep Javier but Julia no absolutely not.
Totally agree! Julia – when I first heard – all I could think is does she even know what meditation is. Like I could almost picture her living in India for any amount of time. too shallow. No depth.
I agree with Lady George. I think Javier Bardem is a perfect choice for Felipe, and tend to think he looks much older than he is anyway, so I don’t understand people saying he is too young. I loved the book but definitely would not have casted Julia Roberts. I like the Elisabeth Shue suggestion. I definitely plan to see this movie but have low expectations with Julia Roberts in it.
I have read Eat, Love, Pray and Bardem, in my opinion, definitely does not represent Felipe at all. Felipe is suppose to be older. On the other hand, although I like Julia Roberts, she is way too old for the part of Elizabeth. Someone like Scarlett Johansson could be more fit for the role.
Scarlett Johansson is too young for the role — Elizabeth turned 34 during “ELP,” and Scarlett’s still in her early 20s. I too love the book and do not like seeing it go Hollywood, especially with Roberts, who almost never disappears into a role. She’s Julia! Roberts! and her casting will be distracting to the story. I like the idea of Elizabeth Mitchell.
JAVIER BARDEM is the only reason I’m interested in this project! Anyone who has seen his work knows,he can play anything!
Young,old,ugly,fat,bald,thin,gay,straight,insane.
Get the picture? He will probably end up being the best thing about the film.Get a copy of THE SEA INSIDE and watch the master at work!
I read the book almost 3 years ago, and loved it! I did picture Felipe as a dark and somewhat mysterious man, and I think that Bardem will do a wonderful job with the role. As far as he and Julia Roberts together, I think that it will work out beautifully.
Hollywood anywhere near this book. with Julie Roberts.. I shall expect International Pretty woman does charity in Bali. Please prove me wrong!!!!
ps. thank god Bardem is in it. There’s hope for some atmosphere!