Judy

Renee Zellweger, Jessie Buckley,

Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon

"Judy Garland: The Legend behind the Rainbow"

This biopic depicts a brief period in the turbulent life of iconic star, Judy Garland - actress, singer par excellence. For 5 weeks, she performed in a London club, The Talk of the Town to mixed reviews - applause one day, heckles the next. A pattern which tore down the already fragile ego of a star who was slowly, losing her luster.

Judy was first hesitant to accept the London stint because she will be away from Lorna and Joey, her young children with her third ex-husband Sidney Luft. She was a devoted mother to her 3 children. Her eldest is actress/ singer Liza Minelli who just had a brief cameo in the film. Judy only accepted the London shows to provide a better life for her children, believing it (living with their father) was merely a temporary set up. Unfortunately, 6 months after her return from London, she died from a drug overdose in 1969, aged 47.

The film had seamless periodic flashback scenes of a young Judy. It shows several instances when studio mogul Louis B. Mayer, co-owner of MGM, hired a 'handler' to supervise the 14 year old. A strict matronly type made sure that Judy  watched her weight, was also given very harmful pills for everything (to stay awake, sleeping pills, uppers & downers). Judy also 'dated' Mickey Rooney but it was mostly just a publicity stunt because they were the biggest stars of MGM during its glory days. 

Mayer is portrayed as this looming, chubby and tall fellow who was very manipulative. He convinced the poor young Judy into believing, there were always other more deserving young stars to play the role of a lifetime, Dorothy Hale in "The Wizard of Oz". 

This dominating, fiercely controlling period in her life eventually gave way to an insomniac, pill popping, anxiety ridden adult Garland who had commitment issues (married 5 times), and very low self esteem. A nervous wreck who needed other people's validation, needed people around to prep her up before her performances. Being a diva but understandably she was a very troubled soul, her childhood stolen from her. Quite miserable, somber and really dejected existence, true be told. Watching a woman in her prime on the brink of total physical and mental decline was very painful to watch. Heartbreaking, really.

Renee Zellweger was impeccable as Judy Garland. From her uncanny resemblance, her mannerisms to her singing Judy's famous songs. Renee carried the entire movie on her very able shoulders. Several times, it felt like it  was actually the real Judy Garland, acting in her own biopic. I hope Renee wins the Oscars for best actress award, this year.

The song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" took on a very different meaning for me after watching her biography. It was also relevant that it was the last song, she performed at The Talk of the Town. She was fired for being very unprofessional and while singing this song, got very emotional and could not finish. The forgiving audience joined in, she finished it with their much needed encouragement & support. 

Someday I'll wish upon a star

and wake up where the clouds are far

behind me

where troubles melt like lemon drops

away above the chimney tops

that's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow

Bluebirds fly,

Birds fly over the rainbow,

Why then, oh why can't I??