Being Julia (2004)

Name: Being Julia
Genre: Comedy
Duration: 104 min
Cast: Michael Gambon, Annette Bening, Leigh Lawson, Shaun Evans, Mari Kiss

Being Julia

Comedy

Documentary

Drama

Romance

Where to Watch

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Release Date: September 3, 2004
Director: István Szabó
Cast: Michael Gambon , Annette Bening , Leigh Lawson , Shaun Evans , Mari Kiss , Jeremy Irons
Runtime: 104
Main Genre: Comedy
Writers: Ronald Harwood , W. Somerset Maugham
Tagline: For the theatre's leading lady, all the world's a stage.
Website: http://www.beingjuliamovie.com/

Summary

In 1938, Julia Lambert (Annette Bening) is a beautiful and talented actress in her forties who rules London’s West End. Her plays are great successes, making Julia one of the most beloved actresses of her time. Her husband, Michael Gosselyn (Jeremy Irons) is a brilliant theatrical producer who masterminds her career. Julia seems to be one of those lucky women who has everything -- wealth, talent, and celebrity. But in the theater, as in life, appearances are deceiving. Julia is approaching a delicate time in her life, at her peak physically and professionally; she is smart enough to know that she is rapidly becoming a ‘woman of a certain age.’ The roles she is used to playing will soon change. Romantic leads will give way to supporting parts as, inevitably, Julia’s youth and celebrity fade. Her long-standing marriage is more platonic than romantic and her son is on his way to becoming an adult, reminders that her best years may be behind her. While she is contemplating her fate, a new man enters her life, Tom Fennell (Shaun Evans) a dashing and charming young American who introduces himself as her greatest fan. Although he is half her age, he believes that Julia is his ideal woman and woos her with a refreshing ardor that cannot be refused. Julia surrenders to his advances and finds herself unexpectedly in the throes of a passionate love affair, which makes her feel more beautiful and vital every day. Tom is a surprisingly callow youth. After sweeping Julia off her feet and benefiting from her money and status, his attentions turn to a young aspiring actress Avice Crichton (Lucy Punch) and with certain audacity he asks Julia to help launch her rival’s career. With uncharacteristic humility and selflessness, Julia agrees, showcasing the ingenue in her new play. Throughout rehearsals, Julia seems to be setting the stage for her own retirement, deferring to the younger actress at every turn. But on opening night, Julia reveals that she is a more formidable actress than anyone ever imagined.