Being Julia
- Director: István Szabó
- Writer: Ronald Harwood; W. Somerset Maugham
- Producer: Sandra Cunningham; Robert Lantos
CGiii Comment
Terribly theatrical, darling.
A little lesbian interest, a few poofy characters (less than you would think) - it's a fine production and a fine little yarn.
Benning is perfect in the role - and, the cameos from a the British acting glitterati are a treat.
Unfortunately, it lacks the meat to sink your teeth into - it's a side salad, tasty...but, not very filling.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
1938. Julia Lambert and Michael Gosselyn are the royal couple of the London theater scene, Julia an actress and Michael a former actor who took over running the theater and its troupe upon the passing of their mentor, Jimmie Langton. Jimmie is still constantly with Julia in spirit as she navigates through life. Besides their work, Julia and Michael lead largely separate lives, they long ago having stopped a sexual relationship. Julia of late has been feeling disenchanted with her life, she not wanting to admit it's because she is approaching middle age. Her disenchantment manifests itself in wanting Michael to close their current production early so that she can recharge her juices, something he is reluctant to do if only for not wanting to let the theater sit empty. What Julia ends up doing instead is embarking on an affair with Tom Fennel, an adoring young American who is young enough to be her son.
Cast & Characters
Michael Gambon as Jimmie Langton;
Annette Bening as Julia Lambert;
Leigh Lawson as Archie Dexter;
Shaun Evans as Tom Fennel;
Mari Kiss as Mr. Gosselyn's Secretary;
Jeremy Irons as Michael Gosselyn;
Ronald Markham as Butler;
Terry Sach as Chauffeur;
Catherine Charlton as Miss Philips;
Juliet Stevenson as Evie;
Miriam Margolyes as Dolly de Vries;
Max Irons as Curtain Call Boy;
Andrew Paton Story Busher as Male Singer;
George Lang as Antoine the Maitre D;
Michael Culkin as Rupert