Being Julia

Benning is 'Julia's star, not the story.

'Being Julia' isn't a great film, but it is what it sought out to be: a traditional star vehicle in the most enjoyable sense. Though the story is a bit muddled and intended sympathies and dislikes are not fully developed toward the end, you find yourself laughing, smiling, and having the time of your life throughout 'Being Julia's running time. You may also find yourself in awe of the film's star, Annette Benning. She plays along with 'Julia's light melodrama and perfectly crystallizes her character's lack of ability to connect with reality. She certainly is "acting!" but never feels cheap. You even feel you've seen your money's worth when you hear Benning cackle at the thought of making love to a younger man or smirk when the latest up-and-comer suffers in an attempt to upstage Julia's status as a legend of great theater acting. There isn't much to say about 'Being Julia,' really. Just go and see it, sit back, don't take things too seriously, and you'll leave the theater with a grin on your face as large as Julia's own when she walks off stage, victorious yet again, another crowd wowed by her brilliance. Maybe you'll even applaud knowing you've just seen a piece of Oscar-worthy acting. Let's hope Benning is nominated for an Academy Award. I have not seen her previous work, but most Benning fans seem to agree this is a breath of fresh air (she doesn't seem to act very much). In my opinion, it is the perfect introduction to her fire and color as an acting giant.

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