Being Julia
A woman scorned unleashes her fury in this droll comedy based on a story by W. Somerset Maugham. Julia Lambert (Annette Bening) is a famous and well-respected actress, but though her life in the limelight seems glamorous, things are not going well for her off-stage. Julia's husband (Jeremy Irons) is unfaithful to her (and not especially discreet about it), her son is angry with her, and she's afraid she's losing her looks and allure as she advances further into middle age. In the midst of this, Julia meets a handsome and dashing young American named Tom (Shaun Evans). Tom makes no secret of his attraction to Julia, and the feeling is mutual, leading the two into a torrid affair. But, while Julia at first dives into this adulterous romance with little care for how it could affect her reputation, she becomes livid with rage when she learns that Tom is also involved with a younger actress (Lucy Punch), and is only using Julia to advance himself. Julia then plots an elaborate revenge against Tom in a scheme that will help her win back the pride and confidence life has recently stripped from her. Being Julia also stars Michael Gambon and Bruce Greenwood. more..
Director: István Szabó
Starring: Annette Bening, Jeremy Irons, Michael Gambon, Bruce Greenwood, Miriam Margolyes
The filmmakers have brought such breadth and depth to the material. Everyone counts in this film, not just Julia Lambert.
Bening makes the movie into something finer still.
Being Julia flirts too heavily with soap opera clichés, but it has enough surprises to keep you guessing, and for Annette Bening it's the liveliest of comebacks.
A one-woman show.
May lack originality but makes up for it in sheer bravado and really nice clothes
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Academy Awards (2005)
Best Actress
Bangkok International Film Festival (2005)
Best Actress
Boston Society of Film Critics Awards (2004)
Best Actress
Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards (2005)
Best Actress
Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards (2005)
No lists