Watch Julia and Julia

"Julia and Julia" (1987) is a unique feature in the annals of film history, notable for being the first motion picture shot entirely on high-definition video. Directed by Peter Del Monte, the film tells a complex and intriguing story blending psychological drama with elements of the supernatural and romance. The narrative, both poignant and thought-provoking, navigates themes of love, loss, and the interplay of alternate realities.

Kathleen Turner stars in the leading role as Julia, a woman engulfed in the depths of emotional turmoil following a tragic event in her life. Gabriele Ferzetti and Gabriel Byrne play pivotal roles as two influential men in Julia's distressed existence, each offering contrasting connections to her present and past.

The film opens with a glimpse into the life of Julia, who is married to an Italian man named Paolo, portrayed by Gabriele Ferzetti. Their life in Trieste, Italy, is enveloped in passion and love, with Julia working as a translator and Paolo engaged as a naval officer. It's a picturesque if conventional, existence marked by the simplicity of their deep affection for one another. However, an unforeseen turn of events leaves Julia shrouded in grief and isolated, struggling to piece her life back together in the face of profound loss.

As Julia wades through her sorrow, the narrative takes an unexpected shift. Without forewarning, she finds herself catapulted into a parallel dimension where her life has taken a vastly different trajectory. In this alternate version of her reality, she is no longer the grief-stricken widow but a confident professional thriving in her career. It is here that she encounters a man named Daniel, played by Gabriel Byrne, who appears in her life as a seductive and enigmatic figure, imbuing her existence with new excitement and mystery.

The story weaves between these two contrasting realities, with Julia grappling to comprehend and reconcile her experiences. The film delicately tackles the psychological weight of her circumstances, exploring the boundaries between what’s real and what’s imagined—or possibly, supernatural. As Julia traverses through her dual lives, she is faced with the haunting question of what is truly genuine, as her emotions and memories across both worlds begin to intersect and influence one another, creating a complex tapestry of her psyche.

Turner's portrayal of Julia is both complex and captivating, as she imbues the character with a sense of palpable heartache and a hunger for meaning in the wake of her tragedy. Viewers are pulled deeply into Julia's psycho-emotional journey, made more intense by the surreal quality of her shifting worlds. The film shines a light on the fluid nature of reality and the coping mechanisms of the human mind in response to unbearable pain.

Director Peter Del Monte crafts the story of "Julia and Julia" with a delicate balance of suspense and lyrical storytelling, making use of ethereal atmospheres and evocative imagery to convey Julia's internal struggle and the dreamlike quality of her experiences. The movie's innovative use of high-definition video brings a sharp and vibrant visual texture to the film, creating a striking contrast between the gritty, tangible world and the otherworldly aspects of Julia's existence.

The cinematography takes advantage of the picturesque Italian setting, using the historical architecture and alluring landscapes as a backdrop for the unfolding drama. The score, subtle yet haunting, accentuates the ebbs and flows of Julia’s emotional state, adding to the overall immersive experience.

"Julia and Julia" is an early instance of narrative ambition in its use of alternate realities way before they became a more commonplace plot device in movies and television. Its enigmatic storyline blurs the line between genres, making it difficult to categorize strictly as a drama, romance, or fantasy. This hybrid character of the movie is part of what makes it intriguing, as it offers no straightforward answers or resolution, instead encouraging viewers to ponder the nature of reality, love, and the human mind's resilience in the face of adversity.

The film's conclusion, which we shall leave unspoiled, weaves the different threads of Julia's experiences together in an ending that leaves much to interpretation, inviting discussions and personal reflections. As such, "Julia and Julia" stands out as a thoughtfully constructed work that—through its blend of styles, narrative structures, and poignant performances—challenges its audience to confront the complexities of existence and the enigmatic workings of fate.