She
maybe the face I can’t forget
atrace of pleasure or regret
maybe my treasure or the price I have to pay.
She
maybe the mirror of my dream
a smile reflected in a stream
shemay not be what she may seem
inside her shell.
The magic and aura of Julia Roberts is perhaps best described by these lines fromthe song titled ’She’ sung by Elvis Costello from the soundtrackof the movie Notting Hill.
Julia’s dazzling smile has captured the hearts of billions of movie goersaround the world. Reams of newsprint has been dedicated just for her smile !!!!She has tremendous screen presence and effortlessly essays strong , sensitiveas well as vulnerable characters.
Sheis best known for Romantic Comedies like Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, My BestFriend’s Wedding but, she is equally adept at playing sensitivecharacters in movies like Step mom, Steel Magnolias, Mystic Pizza etc…
Themovie Erin Brockovich brought her critical success and also her first Oscar.
One cannot help being enamoured by her personality which reflects in thecharacters she portrays.
MY PERSONAL FAVOURITES:
Notting Hill:
Ido not watch a lot of Romantic Movies, but, this movie has humour, sensitivityand sophistication. I love watching this movie for it’s warmth and also the dryBritish humour. Every character in the movie holds your attention. The maincharacters are:
Juliaplays Anna Scott [ Hugely successful Holly-Wood movie star, whoseevery move makes the headlines, butleading a lonely existence]
HughGrant [ A mild mannered divorcee in his 30’s running a loss making travelbook store ]
HughGrant’s room-mate Spike [ Mentally Negligible, Extremely lazy, Unorganized, Unhygienic, Shabbily Dressed, UnkemptHair.]
Spike’scharacter was brilliantly portrayed and every time you watch the movie, Spikebrings a smile to your face. The minor characters like Hugh’s sister and hisextended family ably supports the main cast.
Some favourite scenes/famous dialogues:
A]
Julia agrees to be Hugh’s date for his sister’s birthday and how the family membersreact to a famous movie personality, makes the scene interesting.
Hugh’sfriend, not recognizing Julia as a famous movie star asks her about herprofession and says that he has a few actors among his acquaintances. He treatsher as an ordinary person and in a highhanded manner enquires about the kind of money she makes.
Hugh’sFriend : .... I mean the last movie that you made, ’How much did you getpaid?’
Julia[Anna] : 15 MillionDollars.
Hugh’sFriend [ Stammering] : That’s..... That’s .... pretty good.
The interactions between Hugh and Julia in the movie stays with you. The movie hasamazing screen-play, cinematography and melodious soundtrackslike ’She’ , ’When You Say Nothing at all’ by Ronan Keating and a few others.
A delightful movie !
Stepmom:
Juliaplays the role of a successful photographer and a step mom . She brings graceand dignity to the role of ’other woman’. She initially faces a lot ofhostility from her fiancé’s first wife and his two kids. Julia learns tobalance her career and family responsibilities, gradually, earning the respectand trust of the kids as well as their mom.[played by Susan Sarandon]
Everycharacter is well portrayed and some of the most poignant scenes depict theevolving relationship between Julia and Susan’s character. The relationshipbetween Julia and the kids, especially the teenage daughter is handled with alot of sensitivity.
Thismovie is a gem in Julia’s acting career. She shines in her role of anintelligent, sensitive person dealing with the realities of life. TrulyAmazing!
I love watching the movie in winter, tucked under a warm blanket. The preparationfor Christmas celebration, family bonding, snow flakes and fire-place makes the movie visually appealing.
SoundtrackGems: Ain’t no Mountain High Enough.
ERIN BROCKOVICH:
This Oscar winner rates as one of her most challenging roles. She has never done anymovie like this in her career and is well worth watching. She plays a real lifecharacter and the way she brings alive the story is unbelievable!
Themovie depicts how to be a winner, fighting for your rights, while facing daunting challenges in your personal life.
MYBEST FRIEND’S WEDDING:
Themovie is hugely entertaining with great situational comedy. Julia lights upthe screen with her antics and of course her dazzling smile. It’sa fun, light-hearted comedy, meant to be watched with your friends and don’t forget to sing along when the songs are played.
Soundtrack : Good [ Features some great tracks]
AVERAGE MOVIES:
PrettyWoman:
I know, I will be ostracized by every admirer of Julia for writing this down, but, I found Pretty Woman, an average movie. The track Pretty Woman byRoy Orbison was the high point of the movie.This was Julia’s very first mega hit and also the first Julia movie, Iwatched. The story was too much of a fairy-tale romance. I have watched the movie a few times, and I feel it’s one of her average films.
ConspiracyTheory:
The story was quite dull, and despite, trying to watch the movie for Julia’s sake, I had to give up!
Julia’s interests:
A]Loves reading books, and some of her favourite authors are William Faulkner andThomas Hardy.
B]Loves animals and presented a show on Animal Planet on Orangutans to highlightthe plight of these animals and their life in their natural habitat. This programis sometimes aired on Animal Planet and it’s wonderful to see anotherside of Julia’s persona.
Getyour favourite snacks and drinks ready. Switch on the T.V.[When these moviesare aired] or Rent/Borrow any one of the above mentioned movies, put your feetup and let Julia bring some magic into your lives !!!!