• in the 1950s, we follow the fortunes of Julia Child, an eccentric American, who popularised French cuisine in the USA.
• in the early 2000s, we see New Yorker Julie Powell being inspired by Child’s book to cook all of its 524 recipes in just one year – and blog about the experience.
It’s a curious biopic in that neither of the women meet. Nor are their individual stories especially noteworthy. But the way the film alternates between their two lives really works.
Meryl Streep effectively captures Child’s manner. I thought she was hamming it up ludicrously, but a look at archive footage of Child reveals that her strange exclamations and lurching around are an accurate impersonation. Only the accent (not American enough) slightly lets it down. Amy Adams is extremely charming, giving off a vulnerability and emotional depth that makes it very easy to identify with her.
Stanley Tucci, and Chris Messina play the two husbands. The former is especially strong as the diplomat continually being relocated. It’s refreshing that his love for Childs is so pure and uncomplicated.
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