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Being Julia (2004)
Annette Benning IS Julia
Annette Benning IS Julia, whose character IS this movie. This is not simply because the character is in nearly every scene, but because she carries every scene she's in. Benning's characterization offers up a protagonist that even the critical Somerset Maugham would have approved.
Annette Benning is a surprisingly gifted actor. Benning's penetrating insights to her character are presented in a polished, controlled and consistent performance that stands shoulder-to-shoulder among captivating screen portrayals from Davis in "All About Eve," Crawford in "Mildred Pierce," Novak in "Vertigo," or Hepburn in "Philadelphia Story." Due to a winning synthesis of book, casting and performances, plus the movie's low-keyed direction of a screenplay that serves the original story, this is one film that can aspire to iconoclastic status. Should that ever happen, it would arise from the experience and appreciation of seeing Maugham's character through Benning's performance.