Julia
Julia (Tilda Swinton) struggles to maintain her flamboyant lifestyle of partying and one-night stands. An alcoholic at 40, surviving on nickel-and-dime jobs, Julia will lie, cheat, and steal to get what she wants. But when her desire and desperation drive her to commit an extremely violent act, she is forced to choose between life and death...
Member Reviews
Swinton prevails - organic
What an incredible presence has Tilda Swinton, and this is undoubtedly one of her more amazing characterizations. Done so wholeheartedly, so convincingly, and soul deep. In a movie quirky to the extreme, it is Tilda Swinton's Julia that holds our focus and keeps us engaged in this film... Though it has some outlandish touches and plot points, I don't think the literal is of concern. There is something 'true' within the telling of this story. There is also something redeeming. A hopelessly lost woman goes wayyy out on a limb, but in the end, does the 180 and finds herself. A road to Damascus moment.A Bit Much - Amateur
In my opinion this film went a bit too far. There is just too much coincidence and kidnapping going on. I found this to be an erratic way of presenting an alcoholic woman. It is as if the producers wanted us to see this person as a hero. I found her to be too functional in her ``dysfunctionality``. The only sad part is that Swinton was simply brilliant. She deserved a better movie.Brilliant but Bifurcated - Stitch
Brilliant because the screenplay and the direction provide a formidable actress Tilda Swinton with a challenge few would chance … and she is as unforgettable as her character is unsavory. Bifurcated because about mid way in the film I sense we are moving offshore… and I don’t mean due to the Mexican settings. The second half is European style nihilism at its finest delivered flawlessly by Swinton. Which explains why she won a host of awards over there but little recognition here. As entertainment in totality, it has an awkward feel.
While this reviewer may be equally awkward in explaining our ambiance, we are not ambivalent in predicting you will long remember the Julia persona. I equate her with Charlize Theron’s Aileen in Monster (2003). You are appalled at the weakness that flavors their decisions but cannot completely ignore the nascent humanity. Here Swinton’s mannerisms as an alcoholic are letter perfect, yet she still delivers believeable flickers of compassion. So throughout all her ordeals, she and the director never let us off the hook; we are never allowed to completely abandon her. A riveting performance.
The supporting cast are competent but have limited opportunity. The Mexican gangsters are a notable exception; their violence and malevolence is impressive. Same can be said for the settings; they well reinforce the sterility of the human environment. One reviewer noted the failure to foster any degree of empathy for any of the characters. I would agree. But I suggest it’s deliberate; the intent is nihilism, with a very faint final nod to Hollywood.
In summary, I averaged it to four stars. Five for an unforgettable performance and three for the fact the whole is less than the sum of the parts. Something doesn’t quite fit. But be assured you will not be bored. Possibly a bit unsympathetic and impatient in places, but relax and be depressed by the reality of alcoholism. It’s only two hours.
Absolutely not for children.
Member Reviews
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Swinton prevails - organic
What an incredible presence has Tilda Swinton, and this is undoubtedly one of her more amazing characterizations. Done so wholeheartedly, so convincingly, and soul deep. In a movie quirky to the extreme, it is Tilda Swinton's Julia that holds our focus and ...A Bit Much - Amateur
In my opinion this film went a bit too far. There is just too much coincidence and kidnapping going on. I found this to be an erratic way of presenting an alcoholic woman. It is as if the producers wanted us to see this person as a hero. I found her to ...Brilliant but Bifurcated - Stitch
Brilliant because the screenplay and the direction provide a formidable actress Tilda Swinton with a challenge few would chance … and she is as unforgettable as her character is unsavory. Bifurcated because about mid way in the film I sense we are moving offshore… ...