James Wolcott is not impressed with Julia Roberts' Broadway performance:
What is it about Julia Roberts that reduces grown men to such goops? ...
I only cite Roberts' disposition/demeanor back then because it's accurately reflected in her cover shot for New York. Look at that face, devoid of light and lightness, with nothing going on behind her expressionless expression.
I'm with Wolcott, 106%, or even more. I have never understood the appeal of Julia Roberts. I don't think she is very pretty even, if I am allowed a moment of shallowness, much less a competent actress. Has she ever been in a good movie? Wolcott mentions
which I could only stomach about 30 minutes of before I had to find a bucket. Pretty Woman is just stupid, Erin Brockovich was ok, but more because of the subject matter, not because Roberts portrayed Brockovich with any insight. I think she has gotten such a stellar name because her movies made a lot of money, not because they have any real artistic merit. I mean, she learns her lines I suppose, but beyond that - bleh. Are there Julia Roberts' performances I should see to convince me she is more than a vapid talent? The floor is open...
read more Wolcott here: James Wolcott: The Theatah, The Theatah
Tags: Film
As usual, I'm with you. I liked Closer as well as Erin Brokovich, but any competent actress could have pulled off those roles--there's no spark or depth or sublimity in her performances. Julia's simply a mannequin.
And not pretty.
Haven't seen Closer. Maybe after I get through everything on my Neflix queue....