Review of Being Julia (2004) by Megan O — 09 Feb 2005

Director: Istvan Szabo.

Starring: Annette Benning, Jeremy Irons, Shaun Evans, Lucy Punch.

3.5 stars out of 4.

I didn't know what to expect from Being Julia, based on the previews (AKA mini-movies that just spoil the feeling of experiencing a piece of art -or crap- for the first time without having preconceptions). I figured it would either be a mediocre movie with an outstanding performance from Benning, or it would be an above-average movie with the same outstanding performance. It turned out to be an engaging film, with a well-developed script that manifests itself in its complex characters and situations. Benning did not dissapoint; in fact, she easily ranks among my favorite performances of 2004.