mikeymad Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 (edited) So I watched this movie (or part of it) last night, and I was so disgusted I turned it off. If you haven't read it or seen it, I wouldn't recommend it, and if you have feel free to comment. What bothered me was that what was thinly veiled as a "woman's journey to self discovery" was really just symptomatic of an underlying belief for a lot of people in her situation. Nevermind my commitments, I need to make myself happy regardless, so I'm gonna go Eat, pray, f*ck. No sooner than "god" telling her she has to leave her husband she finds herself in the arms of someone else, only to leave on her trip because he didn't tell her he wanted her to stay (validation anyone?). I know this is hollywood, and a one sided story, but I also know her ex came out with a memoir about what happened, and the publisher dropped it because he refused to provide racy details to "sell books" and he didn't want to sully the marriage. The legal system just reinforces that, which is a form of marital capitalism (everyone for themselves!) and for one to win, someone has to lose. I am not mysoginistic, because I know plenty of people, including women who share my view. Maybe I indentify with the ex husband, and see some parallels to not only my situation but others on here as well. The interesting part is that throughout her "journey", she just ends up back where she started, married to a man (with a prenup btw) that is supposedly the source of her happiness...an outside source. She no longer meditates or does any of the things that helped her "find herself", and they are enjoying their wedded bliss in....New jersey (no offense to East Coasters). Ranting, but maybe something to this. Feel free to tell me I'm completely off base, or discuss to your heart's content. Edited March 22, 2011 by mikeymad
unsureLP Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 I haven't seen it and I don't plan on seeing it ever. I mean, I heard all about the book and then the movie and I just think it's junk. But my opinion is obviously uninformed, haha. There's nothing wrong with going on a "journey" of self-discovery after something like divorce. In fact I think it's important to take some time to reflect and heal and try to grow as a person, regardless of gender. (do we call it a journey of self-discovery when it's a man going through it?) I just don't like the fact that, as you mentioned, her journey ends when she finds new love (and a sort of "exotic" or at least out of the ordinary). Why couldn't the book end with her self-discovery as a person, alone? Probably because love is what sells. There's nothing wrong with finding love again, and being happy. But it's like the end, the goal of the journeying was to find love, like you're only truly fulfilled if you find someone new. I don't buy it.
worldgonewrong Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Well...just as there's a whole industry based on getting rich off of content people (see Valentine's Day), there's also an industry based on getting rich off of wishy-washy people. This movie appeals to certain wishy-washy women, period. "Gosh, I don't know what I want. Maybe if I meditate. Or move to New Jersey. Or..."
dreamingoftigers Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 I read the back of the book at a client's house and just thought...wow. Way to escape responsibility. Maybe if she did some self-discovery while not leaving her marriage she might have been poorer for not having the book deal, but maybe her marriage might not have failed. Depending on a marriage to provide you with happiness is like expecting your children to feed you and expecting them to feel joyful about it. You are supposed to feed your marriage and then feel joy from the fact that you give in and receive from your partner. Sometimes a marriage takes more energy, sometimes less. When you are down you can't 'expect' your partner to know how to save you. Often people don't have a clue what they themselves need, how do they expect their partner to know for them? Truly I think if she is expecting her new marriage to be a source of joy, she will have another failed marriage and the common denominator between the two will be her.
dreamingoftigers Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Well...just as there's a whole industry based on getting rich off of content people (see Valentine's Day), there's also an industry based on getting rich off of wishy-washy people. This movie appeals to certain wishy-washy women, period. "Gosh, I don't know what I want. Maybe if I meditate. Or move to New Jersey. Or..." I've been there, it won't fill you with inner peace. Unless you really really like truckers and chemical plants.
unsureLP Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Unless you really really like truckers and chemical plants. :lmao::lmao: Yep.
worldgonewrong Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 I've been there, it won't fill you with inner peace. Unless you really really like truckers and chemical plants. hahaha! actually, in all fairness, New Jersey DOES have some really lovely places. There's some mountainous, country region there that is simply amazing.
What_Next Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 There's a reason why I'd rather go out into the bush with my wife and family and enjoy a campfire. No radio, no television, no popular media whatsoever. Bloody hollywood and their drivel.
robf1971 Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 So I watched this movie (or part of it) last night, and I was so disgusted I turned it off. If you haven't read it or seen it, I wouldn't recommend it, and if you have feel free to comment. What bothered me was that what was thinly veiled as a "woman's journey to self discovery" was really just symptomatic of an underlying belief for a lot of people in her situation. Nevermind my commitments, I need to make myself happy regardless, so I'm gonna go Eat, pray, f*ck. No sooner than "god" telling her she has to leave her husband she finds herself in the arms of someone else, only to leave on her trip because he didn't tell her he wanted her to stay (validation anyone?). I know this is hollywood, and a one sided story, but I also know her ex came out with a memoir about what happened, and the publisher dropped it because he refused to provide racy details to "sell books" and he didn't want to sully the marriage. The legal system just reinforces that, which is a form of marital capitalism (everyone for themselves!) and for one to win, someone has to lose. I am not mysoginistic, because I know plenty of people, including women who share my view. Maybe I indentify with the ex husband, and see some parallels to not only my situation but others on here as well. The interesting part is that throughout her "journey", she just ends up back where she started, married to a man (with a prenup btw) that is supposedly the source of her happiness...an outside source. She no longer meditates or does any of the things that helped her "find herself", and they are enjoying their wedded bliss in....New jersey (no offense to East Coasters). Ranting, but maybe something to this. Feel free to tell me I'm completely off base, or discuss to your heart's content. Actually, I saw the film with my wife. What a cr*ck of sh*t. We were supposed to sympathise with this spoilt brat?
dreamingoftigers Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Actually, I saw the film with my wife. What a cr*ck of sh*t. We were supposed to sympathise with this spoilt brat? I sympathize with her now knowing she lives in New Jersey. I am not sure if she deserved that bad. Maybe Idaho....
BenThereDunThat Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 I refuse to read the book or see the movie. Basically, the publishing company mapped out a trip and sent Elizabeth Gilbert off, footing the bill of course, and said come back with a story about a woman "discovering herself." Bleh from the start. Not to mention completely contrived horse sh*t.
dreamingoftigers Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 They should have just sent her to Missouri. Let her self-discover at the Arch. Miss that place, really liked it. So the publisher actually told her to go write a book about going to different places and having reflections?
Woggle Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 I hate this movie and book as much as anybody else but can people please stop dumping on New Jersey. I live here and I would not move for all the money in the world. It is nothing like what you see on Jersey Shore or Jerseylicious or any of those shows. I live in the town where Jersey Shore is filmed and most people here are not like that. I am sorry for this rant but I am starting to sympathize with southerners who get angry at being portrayed as a bunch of toothless rednecks.
worldgonewrong Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 New Jersey is a fine state. People need to re-channel their anger toward Pennsylvania. ;-)
dreamingoftigers Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 I hate this movie and book as much as anybody else but can people please stop dumping on New Jersey. I live here and I would not move for all the money in the world. It is nothing like what you see on Jersey Shore or Jerseylicious or any of those shows. I live in the town where Jersey Shore is filmed and most people here are not like that. I am sorry for this rant but I am starting to sympathize with southerners who get angry at being portrayed as a bunch of toothless rednecks. I was wondering when you would make an appearance. I have never seen an episode of Jersey Shore and never even heard of the other one. Not to sound even worse: but New Jersey should stop dumping on New Jersey. Okay, I'll switch to picking on Idaho from now on. That state and their Potato People. Does Seaside Heights have factories etc? Mostly working class or university? Out of curiousity, did tourism really spike because of that show?
dreamingoftigers Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 New Jersey is a fine state. People need to re-channel their anger toward Pennsylvania. ;-) I really liked PA
Woggle Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 People judge NJ based on the Turnpike where they have all the plants and oil refineries. It looks like some post apocalyptic world out there but it is a small part of the state. This is not my house because I won't show that on here but it is the general area where I live. http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSsnKSRyqXGJi8dyP3AM_231OjuOjC10Loarg0uNy0YRPk2KSgK Doesn't look too bad does it?
Woggle Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Here is a better pic. http://i.pbase.com/g1/63/898463/2/114619583.mJ8rTLR8.jpg
dreamingoftigers Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Are those bras draped over the side? It looks nice, but not anything like I am used to, I grew up here on the praries, you leave town, there's no trees for awhile. I lived in a small town in Saskatchewan for 1.5 years as well. The town was ugly, the people very ostracizing, the house had a draft so bad that the clothes would move in the closet. But I liked looking out the upstairs window at just land and sky as far as the eye could see. The only thing I miss about that place is the 40 minute commute in the morning to work in the neighbouring town. (But you didn't want to stand near the upstairs window during a hot, windy day because it turned out that the town had a lagoon that stunk to high Hell. Just another one of those 'cute surprises' after we moved in.) I think living on the water feels a little overwhelming, not sure exactly why.
2sure Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 After watching that movie...I still feel like I was robbed of a piece of my life just by spending the time to watch it. Stupid movie...and it wouldnt bother me so much except for - like the OP said: There are people who actually have their sense of entitlement validated by being exposed to such crap OR having viewed the crap...feel that THATS what they deserve to do too. Garbage. Love Jersey though!!
Woggle Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Are those bras draped over the side? It looks nice, but not anything like I am used to, I grew up here on the praries, you leave town, there's no trees for awhile. I lived in a small town in Saskatchewan for 1.5 years as well. The town was ugly, the people very ostracizing, the house had a draft so bad that the clothes would move in the closet. But I liked looking out the upstairs window at just land and sky as far as the eye could see. The only thing I miss about that place is the 40 minute commute in the morning to work in the neighbouring town. (But you didn't want to stand near the upstairs window during a hot, windy day because it turned out that the town had a lagoon that stunk to high Hell. Just another one of those 'cute surprises' after we moved in.) I think living on the water feels a little overwhelming, not sure exactly why. I looked for a good picture of the general area and that was the best I could find.
Steadfast Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 My girlfriend gave me the book and I read it. Out of curiosity, we rented the vid and watched it. I really wondered how they would pack all of the info/emo Gilbert wrote into a movie. They didn't. It was a superficial white-wash of a book that frankly, surprised me with its content. And while I can't defend what she did to her ex, there was a lot of guilt and grief concerning him that wasn't covered in the movie. Julia Roberts is a talented actress...her 'vibe' towards her STBX in the movie was chilling to witness. Of course, he was portrayed as a controlling slimeball in the film, but Gilbert did not describe him that way in the book. Poetic license? More like the almighty buck. If you can stomach the first chapters, it's worth reading. The movie will disappear, thankfully.
lovnlost Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 I haven't seen it and I don't plan on seeing it ever. I mean, I heard all about the book and then the movie and I just think it's junk. But my opinion is obviously uninformed, haha. There's nothing wrong with going on a "journey" of self-discovery after something like divorce. In fact I think it's important to take some time to reflect and heal and try to grow as a person, regardless of gender. (do we call it a journey of self-discovery when it's a man going through it?) I just don't like the fact that, as you mentioned, her journey ends when she finds new love (and a sort of "exotic" or at least out of the ordinary). Why couldn't the book end with her self-discovery as a person, alone? Probably because love is what sells. There's nothing wrong with finding love again, and being happy. But it's like the end, the goal of the journeying was to find love, like you're only truly fulfilled if you find someone new. I don't buy it. I didnt care much for the movie....but my ex saw it so I thought I would watch it in the wake of my breakup...so as to try and understand a bit. She said it got her thinking. I didnt care for it and found it rather predictable. BUT....regarding what you say at the end of your saying here....This was the point of the movie was finding true love again....and to many in the world finding true love is VERY fulfilling. I happen to think life is better, funner, and more exciting with having personal contact and sharing experiences with many people on multiple levels. It makes life more "fulfilling" and exciting to share such things. As for finding someone new....well.....thats a choice. The catch is....are you open minded enough to look/hear/listen for that person when they come along? I will say....it helps one get over the past when you find someone new as you create a new history....memories.
Owl Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 I didnt care much for the movie....but my ex saw it so I thought I would watch it in the wake of my breakup...so as to try and understand a bit. She said it got her thinking. I didnt care for it and found it rather predictable. BUT....regarding what you say at the end of your saying here....This was the point of the movie was finding true love again....and to many in the world finding true love is VERY fulfilling. I happen to think life is better, funner, and more exciting with having personal contact and sharing experiences with many people on multiple levels. It makes life more "fulfilling" and exciting to share such things. As for finding someone new....well.....thats a choice. The catch is....are you open minded enough to look/hear/listen for that person when they come along? I will say....it helps one get over the past when you find someone new as you create a new history....memories. You're right. What the movie didn't spend any attention on was the emotional trauma left in her wake. The guys left standing there trying to figure out what in the heck happened. It's just another "Hollywood view" of love...very, very, very simplistic and from a single, narrow viewpoint that many women find appealing. I watched this movie with my wife. She loved it...personally, I disliked it, but didn't make a huge deal of it.
SleeplessRomantic Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 New Jersey is a fine state. People need to re-channel their anger toward Pennsylvania. ;-) I LOVED Philadelphia, but I hated my three trips to Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh, I met the rudest people anybody could imagine.
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