Bening sings as a star of ‘theatah’

SUSANNE PEREZ

Annette Bening sparkles in an otherwise silly soap opera, “Being

Julia,” based on W. Somerset Maugham’s novel “Theater” and directed

by Istvan Szabo (“Sunshine”).

You may roll your eyes and think “another chick flick,” but

Bening’s Oscar-nominated performance as Julia Lambert is

well-deserved and wickedly funny.

Set in 1938 London, Julia is a true star of the “theatah,” and she

keeps everyone, including unflappable producer husband Michael

(Jeremy Irons), buzzing around trying their best to keep her happy.

She and Michael have a very “modern” marriage, and Julia has no

qualms about being seen around town with her handsome friend Lord

Charles (Bruce Greenwood).

For Julia, drama has become such an intrinsic part of her

personality that even her son tells her: “You always have a

performance for everybody. I don’t think you really exist.”

Most people are so dazzled by her beautiful presence they rarely

notice, except perhaps her loyal dresser Evie (Juliet Stephenson).

Proclaiming she is bored and needs a change, Julia starts an

affair with Tom, an American half her age who follows her around like

a puppy.

In her giddy infatuation, Julia’s stage performances take on a new

luster.

But when the affair starts to go sour, Michael threatens to close

the show because her emoting onstage (and off) has gone way over the

top.

She tearfully admits her affair and tells Michael what a horrible

person she is, in no uncertain terms.

“Nevertheless,” a droll Michael shoots back, “you’re a wonderful

actress.”

To the astonishment of all, Julia goes into rehearsal for a new

play on her best behavior and seems to be gracefully handing over the

spotlight to a pretty young ingenue named Avice, who is not as

innocent as she seems. But neither is Julia.

The highlight of the film is when Julia enacts her revenge on

opening night against those who have crossed her.

Bening, who has always thrown a fiercely vibrant energy into her

roles (“The Grifters,” “American Beauty”), has never been better.

* SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant

for a financial services company.