Review 525: Judy

Judy is a marvellous biographical drama film, a fascinating character study and showcase for a tour de force performance from Renee Zellweger.

Based on the play End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter, In 1969, Judy Garland (Renee Zellweger) 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 Micky Deans (Finn Wittrock), her soon-to-be fifth husband and struggles with both her drug addictions and strained relationship with the men around you.

The plot is a  The film focuses on a very particular chapter towards the end of Judy's life which

Smartly interspersed throughout the film are flashbacks to her childhood where she was a put upon child actress under contract at MGM and being held down by constraints and a very strict schedule.
It's widely known that, despite her success as a performer, Garland suffered from low self-esteem, particularly in regard to her weight, which she constantly dieted to maintain at the behest of MGM and its co-founder Louis B. Meyer (Richard Cordery).
Her life was controlled by the studio system and she clearly struggled with all the pressure that was being thrust upon her.

Director Rupert Gould's direction is exceptional, expertly crafting a film allowing the camera to pull back, showcase Zellweger's talents as a performer and allow us as an audience to soak it in.
The cinematography is gorgeous and captures the beauty of London in the late 60's, the production design (recreating 1969 London) is excellent and wonderfully detailed, the costumes are colourfully lavish, the score by Gabriel Yared is beautiful, the make up is rich and superbly detailed.

It's a triumph in the acting department, Renee Zellweger delivers a stellar, Oscar-worthy performance as Judy Garland apart from being practically unrecognisable, she beautifully and seamlessly brings to the forefront Garland's inner and personal demons but also finding room to show her vulnerable, maternal side
She pops pills in a way that's boarderline uncomfortable to watch but beautifully encapsulates the type of person she was and what she was going through.

In the flashback scenes, Garland is played, with great by enthusiasm and energy by child actress Darci Shaw.

Finn Wittrock is a very powerful presence playing Mickey Deans, Judy's fifth and final husband.

Rufus Sewell is also very strong playing Sidney Luft, Judy's third husband.

Jessie Buckley is a delight playing Rosalyn Wilder. It's her job to make sure that Judy Garland actually gets on stage and that she's on top form for her performances. As time goes on, she becomes one of the few people who properly respects and admires

5/5.

The Anonymous Critic.