The Men of 'Eat Pray Love'

Julia Roberts gets the brass ring in 'Eat Pray Love,' hitting theatres August 13!

- Carolyn French, BettyConfidential.com

Women across the map are going gaga over Elizabeth Gilbert's New York Times bestseller Eat Pray Love. Why? Because the motivation behind Elizabeth's voyage is so easy to relate to!

Whether we have acted on it or not, most of us have panicked and felt like bolting the minute we realized our foot was nailed to the floor.

Usually we accept how lucky we actually are to have the partner and the life we always dreamed of, and we live happily ever after.

In this case, our heroine comes to the conclusion that the life she thought she always wanted was not gratifying enough, so she jumped ship to see what else was out there.

Apparently, there was great food, fantastic views, and gorgeous men! Here's how it all began…

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Billy Crudup (Steven, The Nail)

Acting veteran Billy Crudup, whom Elizabeth married to for three years only to realize that she didn't wish to settle down, had a bittersweet way of describing his role in the film:

"He's there basically to send her on her way to self-discovery," said Crudup.

Bon voyage!

James Franco (David, The Post-Hubby Beau)

Would you have a problem locking lips with dreamy actor/writer/painter (yes he also paints!) James Franco? Uh, never would we, but apparently Mrs. Roberts did!

"She is extremely shy when it comes to any kind of romantic scene, so I felt like: 'Oh, I guess I'm the more experienced one,'" James said of their onscreen lovefest, adding that he wasn't especially fond of making his co-star uncomfortable. "But I said, 'Look, I think the movie would be served by a kiss in the scene.' So I pressed forward and got it."

The queen of romantic comedies doesn't enjoy the kissing bit? Dang, we'd swap spots with her any day!

Richard Jenkins (Richard, The Confidant)

Deadpan pro Richard Jenkins is not a romantic partner, but the two become close friends after meeting at an Indian ashram and he "sees something of himself in her."

Richard's character had previously experienced the same displeasure, disappointment and general blah feeling that sent Elizabeth on her happiness hunt.

The pals are two peas in a pod … or two meditators in comfy clothing.

David Bianchi (Brazilian Patriot, Voice Over)

Although easy-on-the-eyes David Bianchi (who you may recognize from films such as Elizabethtown and Independence Day) was not a main character, we are thankful that he lent his lovely voice to the heartwarming dramedy.

Check out the following interview so you can recognize David's swoon-worthy tone when you hit the cinema with the girls!

Penelope Cruz's tall, dark and handsome husband is to Elizabeth what Baby Bear was to Goldilocks - just right.

While traveling through Indonesia during the final leg of her world tour Ms. Gilbert crosses paths with Felipe and the pair fall helplessly in love.

"She really helped me a lot to play, to enjoy the ride," the Spanish scene-stealer answered when asked what it was like to work with Roberts. "I am truly thankful for what she has done for me in this movie."

The feeling was mutual, according to the leading lady.

"[Javier] came in with all this gusto and enthusiasm and he wanted to read the scenes and go over some stuff," Julia stated. "And then you realize no, this is getting good, let's have lunch, let's go over scenes, let's look over the stuff! And his excitement was so contagious!"

Should Penelope watch her back? Nah, we don't expect this to turn into a Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Tell us: Are you excited for the release of Eat Pray Love?

Carolyn French is an assistant editor at BettyConfidential.

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