Watch Being Julia

Being Julia is a witty and entertaining film directed by István Szabó, set in the 1930s' London theater scene, starring Annette Bening as Julia Lambert, a celebrated stage actress in her 40s who longs for the passion and excitement of her youth. Julia is a dazzling diva off-stage, but her life is far from perfect. She is married to Michael Gosselyn (Jeremy Irons), a wealthy and supportive businessman, but the marriage has grown stale and unfulfilling over the years.

Julia feels unappreciated and unloved, and she seeks refuge in the company of Tom Fennell (Shaun Evans), a young American actor who flatters and charms her, saying all the right things to make her feel alive again. Tom wishes to be taken seriously in his career, and sees Julia as a way to move up and gain more recognition. Initially, Julia is drawn to Tom's energy and impulsiveness, but as their relationship unfolds, she realizes that he is not the right fit for her.

Things start to unravel when she realizes that the adoration she receives from her devoted audience is not enough, and that her career is slowing down. Just when she is feeling down and out, she is unexpectedly offered a chance to audition for a new play, which revitalizes her passion for acting. The play is directed by the charming and mysterious Hungarian Max Fabian (Michael Gambon), a man with a reputation for being eccentric and difficult to work with.

As Julia gears up for her role, she finds herself embroiled in a tangled web of love affairs, deceit, and betrayal. She discovers that Max is not who he appears to be and that he is not immune to her charms. As she becomes more deeply involved with Max, she realizes that he is manipulating her for his own purposes, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

Throughout the film, we see Julia struggling with the challenges of aging, love, and ambition, and how it affects both her personal and professional life. Bening gives a standout performance in the lead role, showcasing her range as an actress. She brings a nuanced and complex portrayal of a woman struggling to keep up appearances while battling her inner demons. The film also features outstanding supporting performances from Michael Gambon, Jeremy Irons, and Maury Chaykin.

Being Julia is a visual feast for the eyes, with magnificent costumes, beautiful sets, and stunning cinematography. It delivers a powerful message about the fleeting nature of fame, the human desire for love and acceptance, and the lengths some will go to achieve their dreams. The film is a tribute to the craft of acting and the power of the theater, highlighting the importance of passion and dedication in the pursuit of art.

Overall, Being Julia is a charming and engaging film that draws the viewer into the world of London's theater scene in the 1930s, showcasing the talents of its cast and crew. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, reminding us of the universal themes that make us all human.

Being Julia is a 2004 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 65.