MESSAGE IN THE MOVIES

Eat, Pray, Love Rated PG-13

Directed by Ryan Murphy.  Starring Julia Roberts, Richard Jenkins

Photo © 2010 Sony Pictures
Movie Review by Rev. Bruce Batchelor Glader

Elizabeth Gilbert (Roberts), a freelance writer and published novelist, was recovering from a recent divorce and in the middle of a shaky rebound romance.   She remembers that once upon a time, on assignment in Bali, she met a holy man who told her that she was destined someday to return. 

Perhaps now is the time.

Liz was able to persuade her publisher to give her an advance on the book that she will write about her spiritual quest.  She decides to go to Italy first to enjoy the sensual pleasures of beauty and food.  Then she will spend a month in an ashram in India, followed by a return trip to Bali to finish her pilgrimage. 

The publisher’s money was well-spent; Eat Pray Love has been on the bestseller lists for over three years, selling millions of copies.  The book is an enjoyable read and the film version is pretty good, too. 

What I like best about this film is its casting, which is just about perfect. There is a generosity of spirit to this film, which celebrates the simple joy of living.  Ironically, this is celebrated in the form of a super-duper deluxe accommodation vocation vacation. 

Eat Pray Love is a good example of the current popularity of “spiritual but not religious” writing, in which self-discovery is the primary goal.  Yes, you and I know that there’s more to life than that, but there’s nothing particularly wrong about seeking peace within. 

It’s easy to criticize folks who spend most of their prayer time with themselves and fail to reach out to the world, but many United Methodists can be faulted for doing a good job in mission and ministry without taking the time for the inner journey.

Eat Pray Love can be viewed an escapist travelogue movie (and it is), but it also reminds us that the best journey of faith is always in the company of others.  “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Jesus reminds us that the spiritual life is one of balance. And, when the day was over, Jesus spent most of his time with regular folks. 

f you go to see this film, pay attention to the people who touch Liz’s life and you will see that at the heart of this journey are regular folks.  Well, with the exception of that hunky rich guy at the end.



Pitchfork/Halo Ratings:
Three halos.
Even though this is a fairly self-centered spiritual quest, there are many moments of discovery and joy.
One pitchfork.
Some mildly crude gestures in Italy, brief language to get the PG-13 rating, and discreet suggestions of sexual activity,

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