Eat Pray Love

With series such as "Nip/Tuck" or most recently the sensational success "Glee" (from January 2011 on SuperRTL) Ryan Murphy has made a name for himself in the American TV scene. With the film adaptation of the bestseller "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, Murphy is now also trying to conquer the cinema. With Julia Roberts in the leading role prominently cast, he could well succeed.

Told is the true story of Liz Gilbert (Roberts), who is spoiled by success both professionally and privately, but still feels unfulfilled and somehow lost. With this realization Liz gives her marriage the death blow, but also the subsequent relationship with the much younger actor David (James Franco) does not bring the hoped-for emotional satisfaction. And so Liz dares to take a courageous and radical step: she gives up her usual life for a year in order to discover the world and perhaps herself as well. The good food of Italy, the spirituality of India and the romance of Bali are the companions of the following months, but the hoped-for fulfilment just won't materialise...

"Eat Pray Love" revels in wonderful images that celebrate the very aspects hidden in the three words of the title. The food of Italy is presented in such tasty images that the viewer's mouth immediately waters. And the colourfulness of India and the dreamlike beauty of Bali are also transported to the screen in a more than appealing manner. In the midst of this indulgent visual power Julia Roberts acts confidently and with obvious fun at work. And also the very well cast supporting actors, among whom especially the as always wonderful Richard Jenkins stands out, convey in a very light-footed way the joie de vivre inherent in the story.

And yet: despite good actors, despite partly very nice and amusing dialogues and despite the beautiful pictures, the film has one major shortcoming - it is simply way too long. Especially in the last half hour of the 140 minutes the action drags on like chewing gum. Although this chewing gum still tastes quite good, it loses its taste with every minute that passes. Actually, it's not the final part of the story, which takes place in Bali, that is the least convincing. Rather, the last third suffers from the somewhat ponderous middle section, which in turn can benefit from the wonderful flair of the scenes from Italy.

"Eat Pray Love" is a film for the eye, a film to enjoy and to switch off. That it comes to some lengths, is a pity, but quite to get over. Therefore, if you don't have the money and time for your own self-discovery trip, you are welcome to join Julia Roberts on her search for the meaning and sensuality of life. Worth seeing

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp