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Synopsis:
Thirty years after starring in “The Wizard of Oz,” beloved actress and singer Judy Garland arrives in London to perform sold-out shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.
So, I’d like to preface this review by saying, I knew very little about Judy Garland or this movie before going into it. The extent of my knowledge was watching The Wizard of Oz as a kid. Therefore, I had zero expectations and an open mind. With that said, this might possibly be my most pure review to date. Based on the stageplay, End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter, Judy directed by Rupert Goold doesn’t have your typical biopic feel. Where most biopics tend to follow a straight line from early life and then walks its way to the career, and then the careers end; this film focuses most of its time on the latter years of Garland’s life. While I’m not entirely sure how much of the story is exaggerated for the sake of entertainment, it couldn’t have made this story anymore sad than it already is. I was completely blown away by the actions and tribulations that took place in what seemed to be the saddest glamorous life. From forced pill addiction to a batch of husbands, unfortunately, Garland’s tragically short yet glitzy life was made to one day be a film. At times, the film was hard to watch. You see someone that is addicted to performing, wants to be a better mother but self sabotages and can’t get out of her own way. It was layered with drama, neurosis, and someone who is still revered as Hollywood greatness. It’s a shame, we never get our roses while we’re alive. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and also enjoyed the peek into old Hollywood and its ills.
Plot & Pace
Immediately you get an introduction into how harsh Judy is treated during her adolescence. As well as, how unglamorous her life has been after the peak of her career. She’s burned her bridges and overstayed her welcome in Hollywood. Now, the once silver screen darling finds herself in London. The film displays her struggles, her vices, but also her determination and sacrifices. I feel it humanizes a huge star that some may think lived this perfect life and passed away due to simple negligence. The veil is pulled back to expose the ugly truth that is often hidden. Some fan favorite songs are sung but the songs themselves didn’t move me. What the performances meant to the story and how they were executed is what got my attention. Also, her interaction with fans and crowds are why she was loved. Flashback transitions are throughout giving context to the life and problems she has at the present. She was determined to get back the life she once lived at any cost. I don’t really have many complaints. The film travels smoothly and stops right where it should. It’s a somewhat dismal and eye-opening film with triumphant qualities.
Characters & Chemistry
While many people are a part of this story, two make the most impact. Renée Zellweger as Judy and Finn Wittrock as Mickey Deans. Zellweger is sensational, she simply became Judy Garland. Do I smell an Oscars nod? She played hopeful, traumatized, anxious, and determined. She was also a detriment to herself due to reasons no one else knew but her. Wittrock as Mickey embodied everything Judy needed but also everything that turned her into what she became. He was a walking drug. Also, Darci Shaw as young Judy was great in contextualizing the trauma Garland went through.
Judy releases in theaters on September 27th. Does it sound like a film you’d like to see? Let us know your thoughts.
Rating
4 out of 5
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