EAT, PRAY, LOVE

After watching a memoir come to life on screen like Eat Pray Love, with its vivid characters (Felipe, Sofi Ketut) and exotic locales (India, Indonesia, Italy), F2F was curious: what's happened since the book was published in 2006?  What impact, if any, has the book had on popular culture? A visit to author Elizabeth George's website fills in some interesting details.  She reveals that she's still in contact with many people in the book, including the real Brazilian lover whom she married (played by Javiar Bardem in the film).  Yude continues to play music and lead tours in Indonesia.  96-year old palm reader Ketut Liyer found celebrity as a result of the book, with tourists flocking to gain his insight. Unfortunately, that new-found fame may have taken a toll on his health. Days before the premiere of the film Ketut was hospitalized with a heart ailment.  
During the film's production, writer/director Ryan Murphy needed help with a scene. He called the real Richard from Texas to provide a personal story, which was used for an emotional segment on a roof in India with Richard and Julia Robert's character.  For many, that scene brings plenty of tears.  Murphy admits directing the film changed his life.  'I went through a very Liz Gilbert-like journey of my own," he confesses. "So it became more than a movie or book. It became a life-changer."  Sadly,  the real Richard from Texas passed away after succumbing to heart problems. Gilbert notes, however, that he died with a smile on his face.  And what about the author herself? In 2008, Time Magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world, thanks to Eat Pray Love's success.  She continues to write, including a sequel to her hit novel (Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage), and remains humbled by her own success. "I have never entirely understood the rocket-like trajectory of that book," she said. "and so-- with the movie and all of it -- I stand back amazed, watching it all unfold and wondering at this strange turn of destiny."

A good site for
Interviews and Behind-the-Scenes footage.