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Being Julia (2004)
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The glamour and superficiality surrounding the London theatre scene of the 1930s is brought to life in István Szabó's stylish comedy drama. Based on a W Somerset Maugham novella, it's an atmospheric tale of impetuous love and calculating revenge. An effervescent Annette Bening plays the 40-something stage actress and society queen, who begins a turbulent affair with a gold-digging young American (Shaun Evans). Initially energised by their illicit meetings, the married diva is increasingly pained by Evans's playboy ways, particularly his relationship with a beautiful acting hopeful (Lucy Punch). This character-driven piece benefits from solid performances and a sharply amusing script. Although Bening occasionally overplays her role, she's no less appealing for it, while Michael Gambon is fabulous as her ghostly mentor. The film may be too affected for modern tastes, but it does delightfully convey the charms and idiosyncrasies of inter-war luvviedom. SF
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| Contains swearing. |
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Tell us what you think
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Running time
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99min
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Country of origin
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Can / UK / Hun / US
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Genre
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Period Comedy Drama
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Original language
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English
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Screenplay
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Ronald Harwood, from the novella Theatre by W Somerset Maugham
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Theatrical distributor
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Columbia TriStar
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UK cinema certificate
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12A
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UK cinema release date
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November 2004
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| awards information |
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Award |
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Nominee/Winner |
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| Academy 2004 |
Actress in a Leading Role |
Annette Bening |
Nominee |
| Golden Globe 2004 |
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical |
Annette Bening |
Winner |
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Film certification logos reproduced by kind permission of BBFC |
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