Shooting began in Pataudi, India over the weekend for the movie Eat, Pray, Love. Filming will continue at the Hari Mandir Ashram through the first week of October. Julia Roberts is cast to portray Elizabeth Gilbert in the movie.
Julia's three children (Hazel Patricia, Phinnaeus Walter and Henry Daniel Moder) accompanied her when she visited a temple inside the ashram on Monday. They also met with Swami Dharmdev. Interestingly, Julia introduced her children to the swami with Indian names Mahalaxmi, Krishna Balaram and Ganesha. Julia's purpose in meeting with the swami was to offer prayers and ask for his blessing. Faizan Haider, India Today, published quotes from the swami about their meeting.
The movie is based on the book with the same title. Elizabeth Gilbert wrote best-selling memoir Eat, Pray, Love about her one year spiritual trek through Italy, India, and Indonesia following a divorce from a marriage that she realized was not making her happy or fulfilled. I have not read the book. My baby sister loved it and offered to let me read her copy of it, but I haven't taken her up on the offer as yet. I did catch Elizabeth Gilbert's guest appearance on Oprah which I'm sure hyped up the book's success. Now, I don't know if I should read the book before the movie comes out, or skip the book and just wait for the movie. I'd love to hear from anyone who has read it.
Did you enjoy reading the book?
Do you think that Julia Roberts is the right choice to portray soul-searching Elizabeth Gilbert?
photo - Joe Kohen/Stringer/Getty Images
I rarely read a book twice. Recently I’ve thought of reading it for a third time,it is thoroughly enjoyable. I have many freinds who feel the same way. Shanley
Thanks Shanley, you are swaying me toward reading the book first. Anybody else read it more than once??
I think you should always choose a book over a movie, even if you subsequently see the movie. I find books have a whole lot more dimensions than a movie, which is clipped into a certain timeframe and other restricting parameters.
The book was brilliant – really loved it & have read it twice & passed it on to numerous friends
I loved this book and I think that Julia ROberts will do a great job. AND I always think a book should be read if possible before seeing the movie. If you see the movie then I don’t see a point in reading the book so you might as well read it before you see it
I think you should read the book. I loved it in so many ways and I connected with it because like the character I am going through a divorce. I don’t think you will be disappointed in the book. Also Julia Roberts is an amazing actress and I am amazed that she will be playing the lead. I believe she can only add to the character. I can’t wait to see the movie. I am going to read the book again, it lifts me up from my sadness.
I too, think you should read the book first. (I loved it) I was hoping an “unknown” would play the leading role, just to keep it real, but Julia Roberts will not disappoint. I think I am going to re-read the book right now!
Namaste!
I read the book and loved it. I highly recommend it. Everyone I know that has read it feels the same way. Julia Roberts will portray Elizabeth brilliantly.
You should absolutely read the book first! I’ve read it three times, will surely read it many more times, and have purchased it for several of my friends. It’s a wonderful book, and a wonderful journey . . .
I have read the book twice, and recommended it to my friends, who also enjoyed it. I say read the book before seeing the movie to get a sense of Gilbert to take to the cinema with you.
You will love this book. I kept going back to the book after I read it. Julia Roberts is perfect for the part.
I have read the book, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think most women would definitely find some aspect of her self in this book. Julia Roberts would be perfect for this role!
I LOVED the book! I have so many pages dogeared and she writes in such a way you DROOL over her trip to Italy, you question life with her trip to India…it’s amazing and so well written.
I think Julia will be perfect!
Loved the movie so much I bought the book, am reading it now. Am thoroughly enjoying it. The book is well written, thoughtful and giving me food for thought about spirituality and where my life is going. Read the book, you’ll enjoy it!