Eat Pray Love is a memoir penned by Elizabeth Gilbert that chronicles her year after an emotional time.The movie hit Singapore cinema theatres on 7th October 2010. Starring Julia Roberts, and a host of dashing Hollywood hotties like James Franco, Javier Bardem, the film is directed by Ryan Murphy (aka the creator of Glee). To add on to the star power, the film was produced by Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B.
Elizabeth Gilbert in real life
[Photo: Madison Magazine]
Elizabeth Gilbert in reel life
[Photo: Filmofilia]
I have not watched the movie but it opened in America to mixed reviews. I always recommend people to read the book before you watch the movie adaptation. I find it better to interpret the author's words yourself, before being influenced by the director's visualizations. But then again, if you're feeling lazy to read the book, I have written a book review just for you!
By Elizabeth Gilbert
[Photo: Atomic Popcorn]
Three different cultures collide together in Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love. Based on her experiences in Italy, India and Bali, she pens down an open and insightful account of her travels. The book is a collection of 108 short chapters (based on the number of beads in an Indian traditional prayer necklace) divided into 36 chapters amongst her three destinations. Part travelogue, part spiritual journey, part beach read, Eat, Pray, Love chronicles Elizabeth Gilbert’s journey around the world.
In her early thirties, Elizabeth Gilbert suffered through the three hellish D’s of Divorce, Depression and Disappointment. Needing to recuperate and recover from all the emotional turmoil, Gilbert decided to embark on a year-long journey searching for spirituality and self, in the countries of I’s.
She spent four months in Italy, eating and taking in the pleasures of life (Eat). Another four months were spent in India in spiritual exploration and discovery (Pray). Finally, she ended up in the Indonesian island of Bali looking for a balance between pleasure and spirituality (Love). Whilst searching for balance in Bali, Elizabeth found another anchor of life – love.
Julia Roberts found love in Javier Bardem in Bali.
Hmmm be right back, I need to book tickets to Bali now. [Photo: Hotflick]
Which is more alluring - the scenery or Julia Roberts?
[Photo: Sony Insider]
Set in some of the world’s most exquisite locations, Eat, Pray, Love brings readers around a whirlwind journey all over the world. Elizabeth’s love for all things Italian jumps off the pages and stirs up readers’ inner “italophile”, making them want to learn the beautiful language of Italian and visit Rome to have the best pizza in the world.
Even though the premise of the book sounds too much like another one of those “How I Fought Depression” novels, Elizabeth is engaging in her unassuming, friendly manner of writing. Reading the book is like talking to a friend or reading a friend’s blog (like now!). In particular, I admire her courage in being able to lay down her heart and deepest feelings to the rest of the world.However, the book drags too much in the middle, where it falls in the realm of making things too personal for a reader to understand and connect to.
Interspersed with little anecdotes such as the history of the Italian language, Eat, Pray, Love is an enjoyable and engaging read. Simply put, this book is about enjoying life and making the time to enjoy life.
Though it is called Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth's memoir explores love the most. Elizabeth’s love for food, language, beauty, serenity and spirituality all culminate in her journey of love of self.
Hopefully, I can find time to watch the movie soon and let you know what I think. So, stay tuned! In the meantime, here's the official trailer from Sony Pictures..
Till then, here's a shot of James Franco
[Photo: Filmofilia]
... and another one (last one, promise!)
[Photo: Flashscreen]
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