The 2009 biographical dramedy “Julie & Julia” tells the story of two women from different times and social backgrounds, united by their passion for cooking and self-improvement. Part of this film was shot in Queens, showcasing familiar locales for residents. Read on for more details on queens-trend.
Plot
Julie Powell dreams of a writing career but currently works as a call center operator assisting 9/11 survivors. Inspired by her friends’ success stories, she decides over lunch to change her life. She starts a cooking blog, preparing recipes from Julia Child’s 1961 cookbook, setting a goal to cook over 500 recipes in one year.
Simultaneously, the film recounts Mrs. Child’s story with her diplomat husband, portraying their life in the 1950s in Paris amidst suspicions of Communist sympathies. Tired of a routine housewife’s life, the enterprising Julia decides to find a new hobby. She takes up cooking, eventually attending classes at France’s top culinary school and later writing a revolutionary cookbook for American housewives.
The film draws parallels between the lives of these two women. The challenges Julie and Julia face only make them stronger, and the unwavering support of their loving husbands reassures them they’re on the right path.
Filming Locations in Queens
The film was shot in Paris, New Jersey, and New York City. Queens locations featured include:
- 9-17 40th Ave: Exterior shots of Julie’s apartment and a pizzeria were filmed here. Located in Long Island City, a redeveloped industrial area along the East River, this neighborhood is known for its high-rises and stunning Manhattan views. Popular for its innovative art galleries, concert venues, trendy bars, and restaurants, it’s a favorite spot for local artists and young creatives. The MoMA PS1 museum is a must-visit for contemporary art exhibits and seasonal dance parties.
- Astoria: Residents of this vibrant neighborhood will recognize it on screen. Astoria is a hub of international culture and cuisine, with numerous Greek and Egyptian restaurants. Known for its remarkable architecture, beer gardens, music venues, parks, schools, museums, and even its own film studio, Astoria offers something for everyone—from water skiing on the East River to quiet retreats for locals seeking an escape from city life.
Real-Life Heroines
The screenplay of “Julie & Julia” is based on two books—Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell and My Life in France by Julia Child. Thus, the film is rooted in real events and real characters, marking it as the first feature film to use actual blog entries!
The real Julie Powell began her culinary blog in Long Island City, spending a year in her apartment trying to recreate every recipe from Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. In addition to culinary insights, her blog documented her marriage, her city life, and the state of her home. In 2005, Powell published Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, based on her blog.
Julie Powell
As for Julia Child, the author of the famous cookbook, she became known as a culinary expert, writer, and television host. After World War II, Julia moved to Paris with her husband, where she attended the Cordon Bleu culinary school for six months and trained with chef Max Bugnard. Along with two French friends, she founded a culinary school and later co-authored Mastering the Art of French Cooking, a bestseller.
In 1961, the Childs settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, though they continued to visit Europe regularly, especially their home in southern France. A year later, Julia began hosting the cooking show The French Chef, which ran for 206 episodes. Thanks to her humor and charisma, Child became a national star, charming viewers by laughing at her cooking mishaps and showing that even professionals make mistakes.
Julia Child
Interesting Facts
- Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, who portrayed the lead heroines, had previously worked together. They appeared in the drama Doubt, which follows a Catholic school principal as she questions a priest’s ambiguous relationship with a troubled student. The film received five Golden Globe nominations and the same number of Oscar nominations.
- This was the second collaboration between Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci, who played the married couple Julia and Paul Child. They previously starred in The Devil Wears Prada, a dramedy based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel. The story follows aspiring journalist Andy Sachs, who becomes an assistant to fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly, facing challenging tasks that strain her relationship with her boyfriend.
- The filmmakers had to work to make Meryl Streep look taller. Standing at 5’6″, Streep had to appear taller to accurately portray Julia Child. The actress wore heels, and kitchen counters were lowered for authenticity.
- In reality, Paul Child was 10 years older than his wife Julia, but Stanley Tucci, who played Paul, is actually 11 years younger than Meryl Streep.
- The soundtrack includes “Stop the Train,” written by Henry Wolfe—Meryl Streep’s son.
- Actors really ate the food. To convey authentic reactions to the food on screen, director Nora Ephron encouraged the cast to actually taste and react to the dishes.
- No lobsters were harmed during filming. Viewers needn’t worry—the lobsters Julie handles on screen were fake.
- The film was highly profitable. It grossed $94.1 million in the U.S. and Canada and $129.5 million worldwide against a $40 million budget.
- Meryl Streep was nominated for an Oscar for her role in “Julie & Julia” in the Best Actress category but lost to Sandra Bullock.
- This was Nora Ephron’s last film. The director and screenwriter left a legacy of powerful films like Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, and When Harry Met Sally. Ephron passed away in 2012 at 71. She had kept her leukemia diagnosis private, and her death was a shock to Hollywood.
