Oscar-nominated actress Viola Davis is eyeing a role in Eat, Pray, Love, a movie adaptation of the famous memoir written by Elizabeth Gilbert. Should she sign on to the project, she would be playing opposite main character Julia Roberts, Richard Jenkins, and Javier Bardem. Roberts is set to play Gilbert, a divorcee who embarks on an international journey of self-discovery. On the final leg of her tour, she meets Felipe, played by Javier Bardem. Jenkins is going to play a Texan that Gilbert meets on an Indian ashram. It is unclear what role Viola Davis will play.
Ryan Murphy, who created the show "Nip/Tuck," will direct from a script co-written with Jennifer Salt. Murphy last directed Running with Scissors.
Dede Garner and Brad Pitt are producing through Plan B. Red Om Films is also producing.
A friend of mine has fallen in Love with this memoir, which in general I've heard is quite a good read. Overall, this sounds like a very emotional book, (one that I might dive into if this gets even better buzz as a film). Such buzz seems quite likely, considering the emotional power working on this movie. Especially for Davis, who has proven to be a strong force even in the limit of ten minutes (Doubt, not so much Madea Goes To Jail). Bardem has shown his chops at being the exotic seductive, as seen in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
For those who have read the book, do you agree with the casting? For those who have yet to check it out, does the casting of the film make you even more curious to see what the buzz is all about?
Source: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter