If you haven’t seen it already then you simply must treat yourself to an evening or an afternoon (as we did) at the cinema to see Julie & Julia.
Julie & Julia is a film of two interwoven parts which tells the story of Julia Child author of the iconic, ‘Mastering the Art of French Cookery,’ played by the fabulous – and she really is fabulous in this role – Meryl Streep – and also blogger Julie Powell, would-be writer who spent a year in 2002 cooking every single recipe in “Mastering the Art” and writing a blog about the experience.
Post war Paris, where Julia lives with her husband, (played by Stan Tucci, who incidentally I’m now in love with!) – its markets, buildings, beautiful clothes, stylish hats, wonderful food are a delight – and for me they won out every time over New York. But the portrayal of the indomitable Julia, and the understated love story that was Julia’s marriage are the film’s core and strength.
A. O. Scott reviewing the film in The New York Times, said, ‘If only Mr. Tucci and Ms. Streep were in every movie, I thought to myself at one point, as, in a state of rapture, I watched them sit still on a couch looking off into space.’
I can only agree.
This is a film about women pursing their creative instincts and passions, supported by good and gentle men- it made me think of Debora and Sean, and it made me think of John, who always believes in and supports my writing.
A word of warning! Once you’ve seen this you will absolutely have to cook Beef Bourguignon. But don’t worry – it will not have to be perfect – as Julia would say, never apologise and bon appetite!
Oh, and while we’re on the subject of creative women! – here is a sketch of David my son, done while we were on holiday in Spain by my lovely and talented sister-in-law Jan
Hallooo, darling Avril, I’m so delighted that you went to see this enchanting movie with mum. Isn’t it heaven? S and I adored it. I’ve seen it twice now. As I write this Julia’s Boeuf Bourguignon is bubbling on my stove, waiting to be devoured…
Bisous Dx
Halloo, dearest Debora, yes I was delighted to see the film, thanks to you! So glad you are back to blogging. Any chance of a Beef Bourguignon recipe?
A x
I can’t wait to see it , you make it sound so good – though cinemas in Cumbria and Italy are hardly likely to be showing it. Will have to order it from LoveFilm and wait for it to drop through the letterbox. As least I’ll be able to watch it and cook at the same time!!
x kj
Avril
Will boef bourgignon be on every menu in England this week?
Loved the love story in the film, loved Meryl Streep who is the only actress in the world who could pull that off without parody, loved the small but beautifully formed Stan Tucci, loved the interiors of the film which were so brilliantly designed,
Most of all I loved the message of the film that creative obsession leads to joy and growth. Oh, and the importance of never worrying about your gaffes on the way the greatness,
We must go to the movies again
wx
You betcha. I’m going to post it tonight. PS Love the sketch of David – he looks very cool!