Way back in the day when Eat, Pray, Love first came out, after reading rave reviews I set out to get myself a copy. I devoured the book in a matter of days, all the while DREAMING of someday visiting Italy (luckily, last year, I fulfilled that dream for six glorious weeks). I tried really, really hard to get into the India section and I fell in love right along with Elizabeth Gilbert.
Four years later and Julia Roberts is starring as Elizabeth Gilbert on the big screen in Eat, Pray, Love.
I know one of the biggest things us book bloggers debate is books being turned into TV shows or movies. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
In this case, I’d say it semi-works.
To me, Eat, Pray, Love was a very introspective book. It explored heartbreak, loss, love, spirituality and other complicated themes that don’t come across well visually. It was Gilbert’s inward thinking and beautiful prose that set this book apart. A film can’t capture words in quite the same way we feel after reading a great book.
However, this movie was still very good. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you’re a fan of the book!
I had two major complaints about this movie:
1. I thought the New York City opening/introduction was too long. In the book, we learn that Gilbert is unhappy in her marriage and gets a divorce. Then, she has a fling with a younger man. I didn’t think the fling came across well in the movie. I found myself saying, “Alright, hurry it up…we get it. She’s sad. She needs a change. On to Italy!”
2. I was soooooooooooo bored during the India scenes. To be fair, I didn’t find this portion of the book very interesting. While I appreciate Gilbert’s experience in India, I don’t think its especially visual and didn’t lend itself well to 30 minutes of a movie.
Now, for the things that I did like:
1. Rome <3 Oh, of course you knew I'd say that. But seriously, the images in these scenes are breathtaking. The food looks incredible (don't go to the movie hungry!) and the language is beautiful.
2. Bali. Again, another given. This tropical paradise was the perfect place for Gilbert to rediscover herself and find love again.
3. Felipe. Mmmm, mmmmm, mmmmm. Javier Bardem does an excellent job portraying the sultry, rugged older man Gilbert falls for in Bali. These scenes were among my favorite in the book because Gilbert’s passion was clear in her words. The scenes in the movie are almost as good!
You’ll enjoy seeing Gilbert’s world come to life in front of your eyes. You can take in the beautiful sights of Italy, India and Indonesia without every leaving your seat.
What did you think of the book or movie? Which did you find better?
Great post! I want to read this one SO BAD!
I LOVED the book! Haven't seen the movie yet but I can't wait to!
I've never read the book, nor have I seen the movie, but eventually I'd like to read/see them both! I'll probably start with the book, which means it will be a while until I actually see the movie.
I loved the book and I really enjoyed the movie. I think that its impossible to really capture everything from the book because, just like you said, Gilbert's writing is part of what makes the book so good. But the movie did a wonderful job capturing what I loved about the book. And I have to say that I thought the characters were all cast really well too.
When I read this book two years ago, it became my favorite book of all time. I loved every single word, and you are so right about Gilbert's prose.
I haven't seen the movie yet, but I can't wait to! I'm actually considering just going to see it by myself so I can experience it as I experienced the book.
I so wanted to read the book before I made it to the movie yesterday, but it wasn't in the cards.
I did enjoy the movie, though I agree that "setting the stage" with all the sadness in New York was a bummer. I found myself getting a little bored at all the dramatics of it, though I felt for her. The scenes in Italy were definitely my favorite — and the food! Yum. Lots of great quotes, and I'm still anxious to read the book… Mom has my copy right now!
I read the book about 3 years ago and saw the movie yesterday. I agree with you completely – the section of the book in India was my least favorite and there really was no color to it in the movie either. But I do love the character of Richard from Texas and that redeemed that section for me.
I wish there was more time in Bali with Javier!