JUDY REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Whenever I think of Judy Garland, I always picture her role as Dorothy Gale in the 1939 film, The Wizard Of Oz. However, Rupert Goold's latest feature, Judy, focuses on Garland's later life and her performances in London in late 1968, six months before her tragic death six months later at the age of 47. 

Judy Garland (Renée Zellweger) arrives in Swinging London to perform a five-week sold-out run at The Talk of the Town. It is 30 years since she shot to global stardom in The Wizard of Oz, but if her voice has weakened, its dramatic intensity has only grown. As she prepares for the show, battles with management, charms musicians and reminisces with friends and adoring fans, her wit and warmth shine through. Even her dreams of love seem undimmed as she embarks on a whirlwind romance with Mickey Deans (Finn Wittrock), her soon-to-be fifth husband.

Growing up, The Wizard Of Oz was one of my favourite films to watch as a child, however, I wasn't aware of the abuse and mistreatment Garland experienced during filming. Judy frequently cuts to flashbacks to Garland on the set of her most famous film. These scenes show how strict Judy's life was as she was told what to eat, when to sleep and how to behave. She was also given amphetamines to help her stay awake during filming and barbituates to help her sleep. Because I wasn't that familiar with Garland's personal life, I was shocked by the abuse she received from the co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Louis B. Mayer (Richard Cordery), who produced The Wizard Of Oz. The abuse clearly affected her as an adult and lead to her being addicted to barbituates and suffering from depression. 

Judy effectively shows the realities of being famous and that it's not as great as a lot of people imagine it to be. In the beginning, we see Judy performing with her two youngest children, Lorna (Bella Ramsey) and Joey Luft (Lewin Lloyd), however, when they return to their hotel, she is told that her room has been 'released', leading to her leaving her children with their father and her ex-husband, Sid (Rufus Sewell). Because she's homeless and has hardly any money, Judy is struggling to keep custody of her children. In order to earn money, she is sent to London to perform a series of sold-out shows. Unfortunately, not everything goes to plan, with her alcoholism and diva-like behaviour leading to her being late. However, when she begins performing, we can see why she was considered a star and is still known as an icon, fifty years later.

The strongest aspect of Judy is Zellweger's portrayal of the titular icon. She captures Judy’s mannerisms and diva-like personality, however, she is at her best when she’s performing Judy's classic hits, including 'The Trolley Song' and 'Come Rain or Come Shine'. She also delivers a moving rendition of Judy's most famous song, 'Over The Rainbow'. While Zellweger has proven herself to be a talented singer in the Oscar winning musical, Chicago,  she spent a year training with vocal coach, Eric Vetro, before production began in order to perfect her vocals and the hard work has paid off. It's an unforgettable performance that is likely to see her nominated at the Oscars next year. In terms of supporting roles, I was most impressed by Jessie Buckley who portrays Judy's assitant, Rosalyn Wilder. Ironically, Buckley impressed with her leading performance in the similar-named Wild Rose. Aside from being Judy's assistant, Wilder also provided support to the star when she was struggling.

Whilst Judy is a solid drama, the film is, undoubtedly at its best during her performances as they show off Zellweger's incredible vocals and the star's ability to connect with her audiences as she reveals details of her life. She also isn't afraid to respond to audience's comments and delivers several witty remarks. While 'By Myself' isn't one of Judy's most famous songs, it's one of the more memorable scenes in the film as Judy opens up about being alone. It's also where she's at her most vulnerable as she's away from her children. In order to make her portrayal of Judy as authentic as possible, Zellweger would have Judy's performance on an iPad propped up and she would perform in front of her mirror. It's a technique that works as, if you compare Zellweger's performance to that of Judy's, there's not much difference.

Judy provides an interesting insight into Judy's personal life and shows a side to her a lot of people won't be familiar with. While she was famous for her classic films including The Wizard Of Oz, A Star Is Born and Meet Me In St. Louis, and her powerful vocals, behind the scenes she was struggling a lot, with her mental health, alcoholism and addiction to barbituates. When she's asked by a doctor if she's had anything to treat her depression, she jokingly replies, "four husbands", however, they didn't work. This doesn't prevent her from falling in love with Mickey Deans, who is a nightclub owner. After a whirlwind romance, the two marry in London, with Deans promising Judy a record deal and a chance to be with her children. Unfortunately, because of Judy's behaviour at the London shows, she is turned down by the record company. Her relationship with Sid is also rocky, with both wanting full custody of their children. However, there is one relationship that is undeniable and that is the one that Judy has with her children. More than anything, she wants to be with them and becomes determined to get full custody. Judy clearly shows that, underneath the diva-like personality and the glitz and glamour, she was a devoted and caring mother who would do anything to be with her children.

Since its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival at the end of August, Judy has received a positive reception from critics, with most of the praise going to Zellweger's portrayal of the titular icon. Those who simply know Judy as Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz may be surprised when they watch Goold's feature as it provides a glimpse into her private life and shows a side to her not many people will be familiar with.

7/10