جوليا

The film "Julia" is one of the most powerful films I have ever seen. Vanessa Redgrave is not often given the credit she deserves for this film. I believe that it is her finest performance on film. Jane Fonda, Jason Robards, and Maximilian Schell also give stunning performances. Something that amazes me about this film is Lisa Pelikan's portrayal of a younger Julia. Her voice, her mannerisms and her all around screen presence is truly reminiscent of Redgrave. Normally younger counterparts in film seem nothing at all like the older version. The entire film just blows me away.

Jane Fonda gives a tough, fierce performance as chain-smoking writer Lillian Hellman, working on her breakthrough play "The Children's Hour" while harking back on her friendship with a political-minded woman-friend who once involved her in treacherous anti-Nazi activities in the 1930s. Adapted from Hellman's short story (part of her book "Pentimento"), yet filled with arty pretensions and unrealized relationships. Jason Robards won a Supporting Oscar for his flashy performance as Hellman's lover, writer Dashiell Hammett, and Vanessa Redgrave also took a statue as the luminous friend, Julia. Still, it is Fonda's energy and amusing drive that keeps the film on track (her outbursts at the typewriter are especially memorable, and perfectly captured). The picture is handsome to a fault, but too long and occasionally inert. Look fast for Meryl Streep in her film debut. **1/2 from ****

A brilliantly acted masterpiece that thrives on a long time personal conflict many have with idealism versus self indulgence. Lillian Hellman, played by Jane Fonda, is unable to celebrate the thrill of her life time, success as a Broadway writer, as she looks at what's going on in the world, and attempts to ease her conscious by being drawn into European resistance by her longtime friend. Jason Robards plays Dashiell Hammett, her personal success encouragement. Vanessa Redgrave is her friend Julia, the other side of her personal dilemma. Also, the sets are exquisite. The acting is top notch.

At the behest of an old and dear friend, playwright Lillian Hellman (Jane Fonda) undertakes a dangerous mission to smuggle funds into Nazi Germany. Somehow this ended up winning three awards at the Oscars: Best Supporting Actor for Jason Robards, Best Supporting Actress for Vanessa Redgrave, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Alvin Sargent's script. Must have been a slow year. Although this is not a bad film, it suffers from being a load of baloney. The original author made up this tale to make herself look daring and brave, but in reality she had no connection to the events and was a complete fraud. If we accept he story as a story, it is pretty good, but because the film uses all the "real" names, it sort of rewrites history for the worst.

To rediscover Julia in 2017 is an absolute thrill. It was thrilling the first time round but, as it happens, nine times out of ten, thrills don't travel well. Here is the exception. Time, through Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave has added an extra coat of guts and truth. They were magnificent then and they are magnificent now. As actresses, as women. The friendship of Lilli and Julia is a landmark of historical, artistic and human proportions. Fred Zinnemann, the director, clearly knew what he was dealing with, brilliantly. Julia also counts with the extraordinary Jason Robards as Dashiel Hammett and, my goodness, Meryl Streep! in a small but memorable part, making her film debut. I believe this is one of those rare films that will be relevant for ever.

Friendships and love. Memory and longing. A film that lets you dwell without forcing you to. The story, a true account, told by Lillian Hellman in "Pentimento" was debased by one of Hellman's fans that became her assistant. Imagine. Trying to destroy your mentor. Real or imaginary the story lived in Hellman's heart and mind. Fred Zinnemann created a world for the story to acquire a true human dimension. A triumph. Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave are extraordinary as the inseparable childhood friends, Lilli and Julia. Jason Robards, is utterly wonderful as Dashiell Hammett. The film is also the first for Meryl Streep in a short, very short but memorable character. The script by Alvin Sargent, magnificent. Highly recommended.