Being Julia

USA 2004, 100 minutes
Dir. Istvan Szabo
Rating: [M]
Genres: Drama

Topics: Period 1930s.

Feat. Annette Bening, Jeremy Irons, Bruce Greenwood, Miriam Margolyes, Michael Gambon

Aroview: An aging diva of the London stage (Bening) falls into a flirtation, then romance with a young admirer in the uneasy England of the 1930s, in this straightly-played adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham novel "Theatre".

Comfortably witty and with enjoyable flashes of sardonic attitude from Jeremy Irons, this is constructed with a sophisticated lack of angst, while still feeling a little aloof and slight at times. The film's real strength lies in Bening's quiet triumph of a role - proving her an actress of consistent maturity.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Very Good). Showing 1-2 of 2 member reviews.

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5 stars (Exceptional) Brilliantly complex. Outstanding actors reveal in five essential Extras the differences between real life; acting on the stage, & on film. Underrated, despite winning an Oscar; this brilliantly-directed movie with it's tight cast leaves a warm memory. ~Sandy
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3 stars (Good Enough) Bening gives a terrific performance in stamina if nothing else. Although the screenplay doesn't see out the distance it has some great moments when Bening is working with the superb veteran members of the cast. The set designs & wardrobe are spot on. ~Tubbs