JULIE & JULIA
One of my first introductions to the phenomena of the TV chef was watching Bernard King. Replete with cravat, knuckle duster rings and caustic wit, his heavily sponsored creations seemed fascinating almost thirty years ago. No less interesting is Julie & Julia where a pioneer in visual cooking influences someone to continue their cause. Whilst Mr. King didn't inspire me to become a cordon bleu specialist his enthusiasm is one shared by the film's cuisine connoisseurs.
Insurance worker Julie Powell (Amy Adams) is bored. Fed up with the drudgery of her life, she decides to set herself a task. A keen cook, she aims to master every recipe by famed cookery expert Julia Child (Meryl Streep). Renowned as the person who introduced French cooking techniques into American kitchens, their lives become entwined. As both discover the bliss food can bring in separate timelines, their many trials are made easier by its tasty delights.
Released in time for the current culinary vogue due to the Masterchef TV series, Julie & Julia is a surprise package. Mainly due to Nora Ephron's sublime writing and direction, the expansion of what could have been a wafer thin idea turns into a joyful ode to life. This doesn't mean its constantly sentimental, but its examination of how a 'can do' attitude can reap benefits is effective. The juxtaposing of Child's memoirs and Powell's blog works better than expected, with the women bound by their creativity and a refusal to slide into apathy. There's almost a 'before and after' feel to the story, as Child's work influences Powell's life almost fifty years after of introducing her recipes.
Deftly weaving drama and comedy in broad strokes, it benefits from some great acting. Top of the list is Streep who once again successfully inhabits her role as a feisty lady determined to change everyday cooking. Adams picks up the mantle with skill as do the men playing their supportive husbands. There's a consistent equilibrium between the characters' lives, as the film's flows effortlessly from each of their dilemmas. Although a little long, this is a well made production where both story and acting compliment each other very well.
Julie & Julia is a charming movie showing cooking can be considered an art-form. In doing so, it appears its admirers are more than happy to not just eat but also view the works of art the delicious delicacies offer.
Movie Review Rating 8 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
JULIE & JULIA released in Australia on Thursday 8th October 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Julie & Julia
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
Insurance worker Julie Powell (Amy Adams) is bored. Fed up with the drudgery of her life, she decides to set herself a task. A keen cook, she aims to master every recipe by famed cookery expert Julia Child (Meryl Streep). Renowned as the person who introduced French cooking techniques into American kitchens, their lives become entwined. As both discover the bliss food can bring in separate timelines, their many trials are made easier by its tasty delights.
Released in time for the current culinary vogue due to the Masterchef TV series, Julie & Julia is a surprise package. Mainly due to Nora Ephron's sublime writing and direction, the expansion of what could have been a wafer thin idea turns into a joyful ode to life. This doesn't mean its constantly sentimental, but its examination of how a 'can do' attitude can reap benefits is effective. The juxtaposing of Child's memoirs and Powell's blog works better than expected, with the women bound by their creativity and a refusal to slide into apathy. There's almost a 'before and after' feel to the story, as Child's work influences Powell's life almost fifty years after of introducing her recipes.
Deftly weaving drama and comedy in broad strokes, it benefits from some great acting. Top of the list is Streep who once again successfully inhabits her role as a feisty lady determined to change everyday cooking. Adams picks up the mantle with skill as do the men playing their supportive husbands. There's a consistent equilibrium between the characters' lives, as the film's flows effortlessly from each of their dilemmas. Although a little long, this is a well made production where both story and acting compliment each other very well.
Julie & Julia is a charming movie showing cooking can be considered an art-form. In doing so, it appears its admirers are more than happy to not just eat but also view the works of art the delicious delicacies offer.Movie Review Rating 8 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
JULIE & JULIA released in Australia on Thursday 8th October 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Julie & Julia
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
No comments:
Post a Comment