Judy tells the story of Judy Garland, but not her stardom at MGM studios. It is the sad tale of someone who was one of the most talented movie stars Hollywood ever produced; addicted to drugs and broke. In this film, she moves to London; to do a series of concerts. This was how she got by in her later years, after her days of being a star, ended.
There aren’t many bright moments in this movie. A sad scene is when she tells her children, that she will be going away for awhile. Her life as a star is told in flashbacks, particularly when she performs The Trolley Song. These scenes are done well by Darci Shaw. It gives insight into why she is the person she is. It points out how she became addicted to drugs, given to her by the studio. They show her having no life, except the one the studio, wants her to have. A particularly poignant scene is when Judy breaks her studio enforced diet. She is sharing a table with Mickey Rooney, (Gus Barry); and takes a bite out of his hamburger. The movie also goes into the unresolved feelings Judy has for him. The most significant event happens when she defies the studio, and jumps into a prop pool. The head of the studio, Louie B. Mayer, (Richard Cordery) is informed of her behavior. He has become a father figure, and lectures her. In his lecture he informs her, that he made her a star. He also tells her to never disrupt a movie of his again. She nervously agrees.
When Judy arrives in London, she is greeted by Rosalyn Wilder, (Jesse Buckley). She has the unenviable task of keeping Judy on track and getting her to her concerts on time. There are more than a few times when she helps her to sober up, and help her get dressed. Although Rosalyn Wilder is challenged constantly, by Garland’s erratic behavior; the two develop a bond. Jesse Buckley is exceptional in this role.
This movie is about Judy Garland in concert. She is so good at this, that when the orchestra leader, Burt, (Royce Pierson) suggests going over the arrangements, she says no. He’s stunned at this, but it all works out, because Judy Garland is familiar with all the songs. When she steps onstage, its as if she was rehearsing for weeks. She gives a terrific performance. Renee Zellweger not only gives her all, showing Judy Garland in her professional and personal life; she shines in the performance numbers.
The theme of the movie is highlighted, when Judy Garland meets two of her biggest fans. They invite her back to their apartment for dinner. They talk about their troubles, and while doing so, Judy sings Get Happy. She doesn’t sing it full voice, but barely sings it at all. It just speaks volumes about her present life.
The brightest part of this film is her relationship with Mickey Deans, (Finn Wittrock). She meets him at a party, that her oldest daughter, Liza Minnelli, (Gemma-Leah Devereux) was attending. The two develop a relationship, and Deans follows her to London. He keeps her smiling, when he is with her. They later get married. He can’t however, keep her away from the pills and alcohol. She appears one night on stage, drunk, and collapses. Sadly she is fired. This is the one time in the film, where Judy and Mickey argue.
After her firing, Judy comes back to the theater. She asks the performer, Lonnie Donnegan, (John Dagleish), if she can perform. He agrees, and she steals the show. She gets to Over the Rainbow, and breaks down. The crowd begins to sing the song, and the film ends on a high note.
Judy isn’t a pleasurable film to watch. The reason being is it’s depressing nature. Rupert Goold has managed to give us a snapshot of Judy Garland’s movie life. It gives the insight into Garland’s adult behavior. The thing that might have enhanced the movie more, could have been more of Judy Garland performing. The sad part is that after the London concerts, Judy Garland died several months later. This movie may be mostly sad, but Judy Garland’s rich film legacy, will always be appreciated.