Nora Ephron's JULIE and JULIA - Review & Interview

This article is a review, plus an interview with the real editor of Julia Child's books, Judith Jones.

JULIE and JULIA is the story of two women - author/cook Julia Child and blogger Julie Powell.

The movie is told in two different, but converging stories. Meryl Streep as Child is a woman living in 1950's Paris looking for a career. Julie Powell works in a cubicle who decides to write a blog on Child's breakthrough cook book, MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING.

Without beating around the bush, this is Nora Ephron's best film to date. She has mastered the story and has woven these two women into one seamless story. As good as her story telling is, JULIE and JULIA is augmented by great performances. How Meryl Streep is able to channel Julia Child is remarkable. Amy Adams continues to impress with her film choices as well as her her ability.

Yet what distinguishes a good film from and even better one is the featured performers. Stanley Tucci is restrained and loving as Paul, Julia's husband. Chris Messina plays Eric Powell, Julie's husband. Both are three dimensional characters. Beyond their performances, what makes this more than standard chick flick fare is the strong relationships both of these men have with these strong women. Both men love these women for who they are. Yes, they may disagree and yes, they may fight, but always they remain in love and they always try to work things out. They are supportive with being fawning.

In one delightful scene, Julia's sister, played the always engaging Jane Lynch, get together in Paris. The chemistry between these two fine actresses is joyous. The scene really doesn't move the story along, but be assured, it is better to be on the screen than on the editing room floor. The film reaches its expected conclusion when a young editor at Knopf publishing discovers the manuscript and loves it. That editor was Judith Jones, another remarkable woman. Below is an interview with Ms Jones, now 85 living in Vermont raising grass fed beef.

Be sure to check out the Frugal Yankee website. There is a new podcast where Garen talks with Boston's renowned chef Jasper White. Jasper was julia's friend and offers insight into her impact on our culture.

Watch the trailer for JULIE and JULIA.

######

Garen has been in the dark for years. As a film exhibitor, programmer and reviewer, he has seen thousands of films.  Regularly on NE Cable News & NH Public Radio, he produces the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival. Besides film, he has a passion for being a Frugal Yankee.