Film Review: Judy Reveals The Dark Side of Fame

Directed by Rupert Goold and written by Tom Edge, Judy was a devastating look at the price of fame. Yes, Judy Garland is a legend but she paid hell, in life, to become a myth after. Covering her last concerts ever, Talk of The Town, in London, the film closes in on Judy just 6 months before she will die in an accidental overdose. Yet, Judy reveals that Ms. Garland had been “dying” for awhile. 

The movie flashes back several times to reveal the injustice and literal abuse Garland suffered at MGM studios and the legendary film producer: Louis B. Mayer. Having worked since she was 2, Judy was being pumped with drugs that made her sleep, wake up, and become a robot of sorts according the MGM’s whims. One insinuated complaint and LB would appear with benevolent spite to threaten her, including sexually, and claim the he would return her to the “ordinary people.” For a young girl, this was terrifying and Shaws big brown eyes carry the glamor and tragedy of being a kid that wants to be a star but also a kid. She never understood the exchange, and, after watching Renee Zellweger’s complete transformation as Judy, I did not either. 

Judy Trailer #2 (2019) | Movieclips Trailers

Zellweger gives a rich humanity to Judy Garland that, often, is not attributed to her. You either have those that are obsessed with her and her Old Hollywood glamour, or you have those that judge her as an addict that continuously destroyed herself with men and pills. Perhaps, she was both, but Zellweger’s performance reveals the sadness of an aging star who never had anyone protect, help, or guide her. Yes, she could give a show, and Zellweger’s concert scenes are epically fabulous. It is hard not cheer as she sings Ms. Garland’s discography. Yet, while Judy was acknowledged as the biggest talent in the room, she was treated, by surrounding men, like the smallest human being. 

Admittedly, I cried and cringed during the film. We all know how Judy Garland ended: found in a bathroom overdosed on barbiturates. Yet, she so badly wanted to get better, but after years of literal abuse and no healing towards her traumas, she, genuinely, did not know how. From Finn Wittrock’s charismatic Mickey Deans to the cold Sidney Left (Rufus Sewell), the men around her had their own addictions and mistakes, but they had one thing on their side….. they were men. When Judy made a mistake or exclaimed it was abomination, but their cruelties were simply fleeting behaviors. The double standard pains viewers not simply because of gender injustice, but the mere fact that for 2 hours you are watching an emergency situation. For awhile, Garland was a walking plea for help and nobody offered. 

Judy Movie Clip – Trolley (2019) | Movieclips Coming Soon

I cannot reiterate enough the magnificence of Zellweger’s performance, of which she WILL be nominated for an Oscar. Her voice, demeanor, and mannerisms are of Judy Garland. You see Dorothy in her, but what wins Zellweger the the golden statue is her heart. Garland was sweet, DESPERATE to be loved, and extremely tired that she could not be. Zellweger carries so beautifully how physically, mentally, and spiritually tired Garland was in the final months of her life. She was OVER IT; eager for change and peace. 

She wanted a home, a family, and a man to love her, and Judy shows that stardom really blocked those dreams. She was an extraordinary woman that was told to be “ordinary” was a small, lesser man’s goals. Yet, it is the ordinary moments like, a good sleep, hugging your kids, and being held by someone that loves you that anyone, especially Judy, would need to feel extraordinary. Judy comes out in theaters on September 27. 

Judy Movie Clip – On You Go (2019) | Movieclips Coming Soon