And what about the story itself? Would it dwell on some of the more tragic aspects of Garland's life in the interest of sensationalism, or offer a more balanced, sympathetic approach?
It came as a very pleasant surprise that the film did manage to present a positive, balanced portrayal of Garland. Although I don't agree with some critics who consider the film to be the "definitive" story of her life, I found myself engrossed in the story from start to finish. As for Miss Zellweger, let me just say that she did not bring Judy Garland to life for me. But then, I honestly doubt that any actress in the world would be able to accomplish such a feat. The problem for me is that Judy Garland is so unique, so iconic, and so alive in my memory, that no one else could ever approach her. That holds true not only for her amazing talents as a professional entertainer, but for her personality as well. However, Zellweger did give a sincere, moving performance, and she deserves credit for the hard work she put into it.
The film was directed by Rupert Gold and based on Peter Quilter's play END OF THE RAINBOW. The story follows Miss Garland during the final year of her life. (She died in 1969 at the age of 47.) For die hard Garland fans like myself, the details are all too familiar. We see the singer experiencing difficulties with her health, making her increasingly unreliable as a performer. And we see her having financial troubles that leave her practically homeless when she gets thrown out of hotels for not paying the bills. Her last resort is to take her two young children, Lorna and Joe, back to their father, Sid Luft (Rufus Sewell), from whom she is divorced. While battling Luft for child custody, she reluctantly travels to London for a series of concerts at The Talk of The Town that she hopes will solve her financial woes. Before leaving, she meets a young man named Mickey Deans (Finn Wittrock), who will become her fifth and final husband. Garland's health problems and unreliability follow her across the sea, unfortunately, and she is unable to complete her singing engagement. But at the last minute she comes through and gives one final, riveting performance.
As I said previously, Renee Zellweger gives her performance everything she's got, not just as an actress, but also as a singer. Naturally, no one has ever had a voice like Judy Garland's, but Zellweger manages to impress. She must have studied many of Garland's television performances, because she mimics many of the singer's trademark stage movements, such as Garland's peculiar habit of throwing the microphone cord over one shoulder and almost wrapping herself up in it. The final song is, of course, Over The Rainbow, which provides a truly moving, emotional ending to the film.
The movie actually begins with the Young Judy (Darci Shaw) working at MGM under the strict control of her mother, Ethel Gumm (Natasha Powell), and studio head Louie B. Mayer (Richard Cordery). Mr. Mayer is portrayed a mind controlling sadist with sexual designs on his young contract player, while Mrs. Gumm appears to have graduated from the Nazi School of Motherhood. She treats her daughter as a commodity, forcing Judy to keep a cruelly strict diet while also giving her the amphetamines and sleeping pills that would cause a lifelong addiction. These somewhat distorted details are based on a combination of Garland's real life experiences and exaggerated legends about those experiences. Many of the exaggerations came from Garland herself. Whatever the real truth might be, these details add great dramatic effect to the story. We also see the young Judy interacting with her frequent co-star and close friend, Mickey Rooney (Gus Barry). In one scene, she has a huge crush on Rooney, but he rebuffs her and says she is just his "pal". In a later scene, after the two have just finished a stage performance, Mickey invites Judy out for dinner. For a moment she looks at him with a sense of longing. But then she turns away from him and looks back toward the stage. Hearing the applause and shouts from the audience, Judy's face lights up. It's as though she realizes that the stage is the one and only place where she will find true love and affirmation. It's one of the best moments in the film.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the magic of Judy Garland, apart from THE WIZARD OF OZ, let this biopic be a stepping stone to experiencing the real legend. Find some of her classic films, such as MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944) or EASTER PARADE (1948). Watch A STAR IS BORN (1954) and I COULD GO ON SINGING (1963), which feature not only some of her best singing, but also showcase her true power as a dramatic actress. Or listen to her records, especially JUDY GARLAND AT CARNEGIE HALL (1961), possibly the greatest and most successful one woman concert in history.
There are many things to like about this movie. There is so much more to like, and indeed love, about the incredible Judy Garland. Don't stop here. Keep exploring!
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