Tagline: For the theatre’s leading lady, all the world’s a stage.
“Being Julia” is a delicious tale of amorous folly and revenge set in the world of the London stage in the late 1930’s. Based on the novel Theatre by W. Somerset Maugham, it is the story of reigning diva Julia Lambert whose success and fame grow suddenly wearisome. She falls head over heels for a young American, Tom, and begins a passionate May – December affair.
When she realizes that Tom is just a young social climber whose real passion is ambitious young starlet Avice Crichton, Julia begins to plot a delightful revenge. A “Dangerous Liaisons” set in the glittering world of London theatre, “Being Julia” is at once playful, sexy and viciously satisfying.
In 1938, Julia Lambert (Annette Bening) is a beautiful and talented actress in her forties who rules London’s West End. Her plays are great successes, making Julia one of the most beloved actresses of her time. Her husband, Michael Gosselyn (Jeremy Irons) is a brilliant theatrical producer who masterminds her career. Julia seems to be one of those lucky women who has everything — wealth, talent, and celebrity. But in the theater, as in life, appearances are deceiving.
Julia is approaching a delicate time in her life, at her peak physically and professionally; she is smart enough to know that she is rapidly becoming a ‘woman of a certain age.’ The roles she is used to playing will soon change. Romantic leads will give way to supporting parts as, inevitably, Julia’s youth and celebrity fade. Her long-standing marriage is more platonic than romantic and her son is on his way to becoming an adult, reminders that her best years may be behind her.
While she is contemplating her fate, a new man enters her life, Tom Fennell (Shaun Evans) a dashing and charming young American who introduces himself as her greatest fan. Although he is half her age, he believes that Julia is his ideal woman and woos her with a refreshing ardor that cannot be refused. Julia surrenders to his advances and finds herself unexpectedly in the throes of a passionate love affair, which makes her feel more beautiful and vital every day.
Tom is a surprisingly callow youth. After sweeping Julia off her feet and benefiting from her money and status, his attentions turn to a young aspiring actress Avice Crichton (Lucy Punch) and with certain audacity he asks Julia to help launch her rival’s career. With uncharacteristic humility and selflessness, Julia agrees, showcasing the ingenue in her new play.
Throughout rehearsals, Julia seems to be setting the stage for her own retirement, deferring to the younger actress at every turn. But on opening night, Julia reveals that she is a more formidable actress than anyone ever imagined.
Being Julia (2004)
Directed by: István Szabó
Starring: Annette Bening, Jeremy Irons, Shaun Evans, Michael Gambon, Bruce Greenwood, Juliet Stevenson, Lucy Punch, Juliet Stevenson, Miriam Margolyes, Andrew Paton Story Busher
Screenplay by: Ronald Harwood
Production Design by: Luciana Arrighi
Cinematography by: Lajos Koltai
Film Editing by: Susan Shipton
Costume Design by: John Bloomfield
Set Decoration by: Zoltán Horváth, Attila Köves, Ian Whittaker
Art Direction by: Paul Ghirardani: Lóránt Jávor
Music by: Mychael Danna
MPAA Rating: R for sexuality.
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
Release Date: October 15, 2004
Visits: 69
