By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 5 cats
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Starring: Hal Holbrook | Jane Fonda | Jason Robards | Maximilian Schell | Meryl Streep | Rosemary Murphy | Vanessa Redgrave
Country: united_states
Year: 1977
Running time: 117
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076245/reference
Philip says: “There exist a handful of films I watch so many times with such intensity I imagine the next scene a moment before it arrives on the screen. Such is my experience with JULIA, the 1977 adaptation of the Lillian Hellman story, Pentimento based on her childhood friend, who left a life of wealth behind to fight fascism during World War II. There also exists controversy over whether Julia even existed. Not condoning the stealing of a story if that’s what happened. I do love the film so much, it not only makes my top 100 films’ list, it’s easily got a spot in my top 10 and yes probably even top 5 list of favorite films of all-time.
“What is it about this film that captures my attention viewing after viewing. Is it the romance of Julia and Lily’s life-long friendship? Is it the marvel of watching a young woman become a successful writer? Is it her relationship with another successful writer? Is it the life and death stories that happened to millions before and during the war? Is it the suspense of Lily smuggling money into Berlin for Julia to use to save hundreds of people from Hitler? Is it the longing for Lily to follow Julia’s life story through the worst of circumstances? Is it director Fred Zimmerman’s penultimate film? Is it the heartbreaking score from Georges Delerue or the glorious cinematography by Douglas Slocombe? Is it because it’s Meryl Streep’s first film role? Or is it the delicate dance between Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave who should have done 100 more films together? Yes. Yes to each question. Yes to all questions.
“JULIA resonates so deeply with me, when I was younger I didn’t know anyone who felt the same way about the film. In the early 1990’s, I saw a performance piece by John Kelly. I can’t remember the show’s name, but at one point, Kelly starts yelling, ‘Mr. Johan, Mr. Johan… hello Mr. Johan.’ I still get chills thinking of the moment where the art I was experiencing connected with this film I love so very much. JULIA continues to be all that and more. It’s quiet and respectful and full of commitment, adoration, lifelong friendship, and the loss from hatred and war. JULIA remains a nuanced work of art. 5 cats
“Review courtesy of Reel Charlie.“