“Eat Pray Love” is a memoir written by Elizabeth Gilbert that was published in 2006. The book recounts Gilbert’s travels across Italy, India, and Indonesia following her divorce. Gilbert’s journey is not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual.
In 2010, Gilbert’s memoir was adapted into a film directed by Ryan Murphy. The movie starred Julia Roberts as Gilbert, and it brought Gilbert’s story to a wider audience.
Book Summary of “Eat Pray Love”
“Eat Pray Love” follows the journey of Elizabeth Gilbert, a successful writer who finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Unhappy with her marriage and struggling to find meaning in her life, Gilbert decides to embark on a journey that takes her to three different countries over the course of a year.
In Italy, she devotes her time to the pursuit of pleasure, particularly the pleasure of eating. In India, she seeks spirituality and finds it at an ashram. In Indonesia, she goes in search of balance and finds love.
Throughout her journey, Gilbert learns to let go of societal expectations, embrace uncertainty, and find happiness in unexpected places.
Movie Summary of “Eat Pray Love”
The film adaptation of “Eat Pray Love,” directed by Ryan Murphy, stays faithful to the original book. Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Gilbert brings the character to life, capturing her vulnerability, curiosity, and determination.
The movie follows Gilbert as she ventures out of her comfort zone, leaving her life in New York behind to explore the world. The film vividly captures the cultures and landscapes of the three countries, immersing the audience in Gilbert’s journey.
When and Where Does the Story Take Place?
“Eat Pray Love” is set in the early 2000s, and the story spans over a period of one year. Gilbert’s journey begins in New York, where she is living a seemingly successful but unfulfilled life.
Her travels take her to Italy, where she immerses herself in the culture and delights in the country’s culinary offerings. She then travels to India, where she spends several months in an ashram seeking spiritual enlightenment. Finally, she goes to Bali, Indonesia, where she learns about balance and falls in love.
Film Locations of “Eat Pray Love”
The movie “Eat Pray Love” was filmed in several locations to authentically depict Gilbert’s travels. The Italian scenes were filmed in Rome and Naples, capturing the beauty and charm of these cities.
In India, the film was shot in Pataudi, a town in the state of Haryana. The ashram scenes were filmed at the Ashram Hari Mandir in Pataudi.
The Indonesian portion of the movie was filmed in Ubud and Padang-Padang Beach in Bali. These locations beautifully depicted the tranquility and natural beauty of Bali.
Who’s Who in “Eat Pray Love” and Its Movie Adaptation
The book and movie “Eat Pray Love” feature a captivating cast of characters that Gilbert encounters on her journey. Here are some of the key characters:
- Elizabeth Gilbert: The main character of the book and movie. Gilbert embarks on a journey of self-discovery after her divorce. She is portrayed by Julia Roberts in the movie.
- Richard from Texas: A fellow traveler Gilbert meets in India. He is a wise and compassionate man who helps Gilbert on her spiritual journey. He is portrayed by Richard Jenkins in the movie.
- Ketut Liyer: A Balinese medicine man who provides Gilbert with wisdom and guidance. He is played by Hadi Subiyanto in the movie.
- Felipe: A Brazilian man Gilbert meets and falls in love with in Bali. He is portrayed by Javier Bardem in the movie.
Memorable Quotes from “Eat Pray Love”
“Eat Pray Love” is full of insightful and inspiring quotes. Here are some of the most memorable quotes from the book and movie:
- “To travel is worth any cost or sacrifice.”
- “Prayer is a relationship; half the job is mine.”
- “Balance, my darling, is not letting anybody love you less than you love yourself.”
- “The only thing more unthinkable than leaving was staying; the only thing more impossible than staying was leaving.”
Soundtrack by Dario Marianelli: Biography and Other Works
The score for “Eat Pray Love” was composed by Dario Marianelli, a renowned Italian composer known for his work in film music. Born in 1963, Marianelli has composed music for numerous films, including “Atonement,” for which he won an Academy Award.
Marianelli’s score for “Eat Pray Love” perfectly complements the film’s themes and settings. His music captures the different moods and cultures of the three countries Gilbert visits, enhancing the storytelling of the film.
Curiosities about “Eat Pray Love”
“Eat Pray Love” has fascinated readers and audiences since its publication and film adaptation. Here are some interesting facts about the book and movie:
- The book has sold over 12 million copies worldwide and has been translated into over 30 languages.
- Julia Roberts was the first and only choice for the role of Elizabeth Gilbert in the movie.
- Gilbert’s actual ex-husband did not want his name used in the movie, so the character’s name was changed to Stephen.
- The real Felipe was not Brazilian like his character in the movie, but was actually from Bali.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing like Liz Gilbert and Nyomo
If you’re a fan of “Eat Pray Love” and want to dress up like Liz Gilbert or Nyomo, here are some tips:
- Liz Gilbert: For Gilbert’s look, opt for casual and comfortable clothing like jeans, t-shirts, and tank tops. Don’t forget to accessorize with a journal and pen, as Gilbert is often seen writing in her journal.
- Nyomo: Nyomo, Gilbert’s friend in Bali, is often seen wearing traditional Balinese clothing. Go for a bright-colored sarong and a kebaya, a traditional Indonesian blouse.
Biography of Elizabeth Gilbert, the Author of “Eat Pray Love”
Elizabeth Gilbert, born in 1969, is an American author best known for her memoir “Eat Pray Love.” Before “Eat Pray Love,” Gilbert had already established herself as a writer with her short story collection “Pilgrims,” which was a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award, and her novel “Stern Men.”
“Eat Pray Love” catapulted Gilbert to international fame and led to several other books, including the sequel to “Eat Pray Love,” titled “Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage,” and her novel “The Signature of All Things.”
Elizabeth Gilbert’s 5 Best Works
In addition to “Eat Pray Love,” Elizabeth Gilbert has written several other notable books. Here are five of her best works:
- “Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage”: In this sequel to “Eat Pray Love,” Gilbert explores her ambivalence about marriage as she prepares to wed Felipe.
- “The Signature of All Things”: This novel tells the story of Alma Whittaker, a 19th-century botanist who seeks to understand the mysteries of the natural world and her own heart.
- “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear”: In this self-help book, Gilbert shares her insights and advice on creativity and inspiration.
- “City of Girls”: This novel is a love letter to the glamorous and gritty New York City of the 1940s, told through the eyes of Vivian Morris, a young woman discovering her identity and sexuality.
- “Pilgrims”: Gilbert’s first book, a collection of short stories, showcases her ability to create memorable characters and explore complex human emotions.
5 Other Media by Ryan Murphy
Ryan Murphy, the director of “Eat Pray Love,” is a prolific producer, director, and screenwriter. He is known for creating popular television shows that push boundaries and spark conversations. Here are five other notable works by Murphy:
- “Glee”: This musical television series follows a high school glee club and addresses issues like sexuality, race, and relationships.
- “American Horror Story”: This anthology series features a different horror-themed story each season, with many of the same actors playing different roles across the seasons.
- “Pose”: This series explores the lives of LGBTQ+ characters in the New York ballroom scene of the 1980s and 1990s.
- “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”: This series dramatizes the O.J. Simpson trial and explores its cultural impact.
- “Ratched”: A prequel to “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” this series follows the character Nurse Ratched and her evolution into a full-fledged monster.
10 Similar Movies to “Eat Pray Love”
If you loved “Eat Pray Love,” here are 10 similar movies that will inspire you, make you laugh, and maybe even make you cry:
- “Under the Tuscan Sun”
- “Wild”
- “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
- “Julie & Julia”
- “The Bucket List”
- “A Good Year”
- “Before Sunrise”
- “Lost in Translation”
- “Up in the Air”
- “The Hundred-Foot Journey”
Book Club Questions for “Eat Pray Love”
If you’re looking to discuss “Eat Pray Love” with your book club, here are some questions to spark a conversation:
- How does Gilbert explore the concept of pleasure in Italy?
- What role does spirituality play in Gilbert’s journey?
- How does Gilbert’s understanding of love evolve over the course of the book?
- What does the book say about the concept of home and belonging?
- How does Gilbert’s journey reflect her struggle with depression and her search for happiness?
10 Similar Novels to “Eat Pray Love”
If you enjoyed “Eat Pray Love,” you might also like these novels that explore themes of self-discovery, travel, and spirituality:
- “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed
- “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
- “Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes
- “The Art of Travel” by Alain de Botton
- “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse
- “A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle
- “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac
- “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer
- “The Geography of Bliss” by Eric Weiner
- “The Year of Living Danishly” by Helen Russell
Parent Guide for “Eat Pray Love”
“Eat Pray Love” is rated PG-13, and it contains some mature themes that may not be appropriate for younger viewers. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking of watching the movie with your kids:
- Age Recommendation: The movie is most suitable for teenagers and adults due to its mature themes and some sexual content.
- Content Warnings: The movie includes scenes of divorce, depression, and some sexual content. There is also some alcohol use.
- Positive Messages: The movie has many positive messages about self-discovery, independence, and the importance of happiness.
Buying Guide and Gift Idea
For fans of “Eat Pray Love,” there are many great products and gifts available. You can buy the book or DVD for someone who hasn’t experienced “Eat Pray Love” yet. There are also travel journals inspired by Gilbert’s journey, or you could go for a more personal gift like a custom map highlighting the three countries Gilbert visited. For those who love cooking, there are Italian, Indian, and Indonesian cookbooks to recreate the meals Gilbert enjoyed on her journey.
Conclusion
“Eat Pray Love” is more than just a book or a movie; it’s a testament to the transformative power of travel and the journey to self-discovery. Whether you’re reading Gilbert’s words or watching her journey unfold on screen, “Eat Pray Love” encourages us all to seek out our own paths, to explore new places, and to find the balance between pleasure, devotion, and love. So whether you’re planning your own adventure or just dreaming about it, let “Eat Pray Love” be your guide.
