Julia reviews
Review by on 21 Sep 2008
I wanted to give this film 5, but realised that it did really meander on at the end. Tilda explained that it had been cut down already ...
I thought Tilda was just amazing (as ever) and the filming was extraordinary.
I wanted to give this film 5, but realised that it did really meander on at the end. Tilda explained that it had been cut down already ... I thought Tilda was just amazing (as ever) and the filming was extraordinary.
Review by on 20 Sep 2008
What a remarkable central performance from Tilda Swinton - quite spellbinding. However, the plot of this lengthy film was, for me at least, too schematic and lacking credibility. A shame, since it's good to have a new film from Eric Zonca after such a long wait.
What a remarkable central performance from Tilda Swinton - quite spellbinding. However, the plot of this lengthy film was, for me at least, too schematic and lacking credibility. A shame, since it's good to have a new film from Eric Zonca after such a long wait.
Review by on 20 Sep 2008
Starring Tilda Swinton in its title role, Julia is the story of a troubled narcissistic alcoholic who spends her life constantly intoxicated and sexually carefree. However when her neighbour Elena carries her in from the street and they talk, the opportunity to finally earn some cash sets Julia’s selfish mind racing with criminal ideas.
Julia conspires to extort money from a rich family by kidnapping their eight-year-old boy, but before she even manages to snatch him, events spiral out of control quicker than the inebriated Julia can comprehend. Fuelled by debt, loneliness and the desperation for security, her deluded naivety takes her on a dangerous journey of self-discovery of unexpected proportions.
JULIA is a cinematic treasure, something we see too little of in contemporary cinema. Swinton’s performance is masterful, rich in layers of complex emotion and confused psyche; she is utterly compelling in her portrayal of a character bordering on obnoxiousness. By the film’s conclusion we learn to sympathise, as we witness the journey has changed and matured her, forcing her to finally accept adult responsibility. An incredible transformation, we see a new Julia, seemingly sober and at last capable of forming rational decisions, providing audiences with a satisfyingly thought-provoking finale.
With some stunning location shots, (particularly during the crossing into Mexico), an intelligent script and brilliant performances all round, director Erick Zonca has created a wonderful and powerful drama about a desperate 21st century woman during her darkest hour, following her through her greatest curve of self-discovery.
Scott Homer, Festival Daily
Starring Tilda Swinton in its title role, Julia is the story of a troubled narcissistic alcoholic who spends her life constantly intoxicated and sexually carefree. However when her neighbour Elena carries her in from the street and they talk, the opportunity to finally earn some cash sets Julia’s selfish mind racing with criminal ideas. Julia conspires to extort money from a rich family by kidnapping their eight-year-old boy, but before she even manages to snatch him, events spiral out of control quicker than the inebriated Julia can comprehend. Fuelled by debt, loneliness and the desperation for security, her deluded naivety takes her on a dangerous journey of self-discovery of unexpected proportions.
JULIA is a cinematic treasure, something we see too little of in contemporary cinema. Swinton’s performance is masterful, rich in layers of complex emotion and confused psyche; she is utterly compelling in her portrayal of a character bordering on obnoxiousness. By the film’s conclusion we learn to sympathise, as we witness the journey has changed and matured her, forcing her to finally accept adult responsibility. An incredible transformation, we see a new Julia, seemingly sober and at last capable of forming rational decisions, providing audiences with a satisfyingly thought-provoking finale.
With some stunning location shots, (particularly during the crossing into Mexico), an intelligent script and brilliant performances all round, director Erick Zonca has created a wonderful and powerful drama about a desperate 21st century woman during her darkest hour, following her through her greatest curve of self-discovery.
Scott Homer, Festival Daily
Film details
Julia
DEREK JARMAN: REMEMBERED / NEW FEATURES
Director: Erick Zonca
Actor: Tilda Swinton
Actor: Saul Rubinek
Actor: Kate Del Castillo
Actor: Jude Ciccolella
Actor: Tilda Swinton
Actor: Saul Rubinek
Actor: Kate Del Castillo
Actor: Jude Ciccolella
Belgium, 2008.
138 mins. English.
Back to the film page
