Critic Reviews
65
Metascore
Generally Favorable
positive
28(74%)
mixed
10(26%)
negative
0(0%)
Showing 38 Critic Reviews
88
Bening shines, and the film shines too.
83
The supporting performers all shine, especially Irons in the thankless role of the clueless cuckold husband.
80
The filmmakers have brought such breadth and depth to the material. Everyone counts in this film, not just Julia Lambert.
80
Maugham's signature wit and tragic colorations are well served by director Istvan Szabo (Mephisto) and screenwriter Ronald Harwood (The Dresser).
80
Bening makes the movie into something finer still.
80
Witty, satisfying, and a terrific showcase for the radiant Bening.
75
Being Julia flirts too heavily with soap opera clichés, but it has enough surprises to keep you guessing, and for Annette Bening it's the liveliest of comebacks.
75
Part of the movie's fascination is watching Ms. Bening play a role that tantalizingly mirrors her own position in today's movie world - and she does it with wit, sparkle, and all-out energy.
75
A pleasantly diverting period romp that Annette Bening turns into a wickedly funny tour de force.
75
You can feel her (Bening) drag Being Julia uphill for an hour and a half until the final 15 minutes, when the ground finally levels out and the picture becomes fine, vengeful fun.
