Julia (1977)
Seen several times on Bravo in June 1998.
*Julia* is quite simply one of the most haunting films you might ever see. Based on a true series of events in the life of playwright Lillian Hellman, it is the story of the deep relationship between the writer and her childhood friend Julia, the granddaughter of superwealthy industrialists. Julia, despite her upbringing, bristles at injustice and social inequities, and in Vienna in the late 1930s, this places her in great danger. She leaves behind her medical schooling to go underground, helping various antifascist movements with her wealth.
The story is told via he memories of Lillian, as she struggles to write in a beachfront cottage she shares with her lover Dashiell Hammett (Jason Robards). The memories we see show why they are such close friends. Vanessa Redgrave's portrayal of Julia is astounding. And as Lillian tells us, she has one of the most beautiful faces we have ever seen. Julia, in Redgrave's hands, is both passionate and sensitive, adding great depth to her bravery, and her tragedy.
Jane Fonda is equally powerful as Lillian. Among the best scenes are when she is frantically trying to find our what's happened to Julia after Julia has been assaulted in Vienna by fascists, resulting in her losing a leg. Lillian goes to Vienna and demands information from the tacit medical staff. A lot of this is repeated later when she tried to fulfill a final promise to Julia.
Lillian does finally get her play written and it's a success. And when she's in Europe, her friendship is put to the test when she suddenly finds herself in the cloak-and-dagger world of smuggling money from Paris to Berlin for Julia on her way to Moscow. The final meeting of the two women is also riveting. Lillian wants to recapture the essence of the old days, and Julia, out of necessity, has to maintain espionage vigilance and a watchful eye.
Director by Fred Zinnemann adds greatly to the film by making the storyline nonlinear. Flashbacks are well placed. For example, as Lillian in on her tense train ride, not knowing who she can trust, there are memories of another journey where Lillian almost falls off a log into rushing water and Julia is there to help her through it. It's subtle and spellbinding.
*Julia* was nominated for several awards and won Redgrave an Oscar--resulting in her controversial acceptance speech that made her persona non grata for many years. *Julia* is also notable for Meryl Streep's accent-free debut.
Written by Alvin Sargent; based on Lillian Hellman's novel Pentimento.
More movie reviews by Seth Bookey, with graphics, can be found at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/2679/kino.html
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