Renee Zellweger gives the best performance of her career in ‘Judy.’ She is not impersonating the legendary singer and actress Judy Garland. She embodies her. It’s a fitting comeback for Zellweger who knows a thing or two about being chewed up and spit out by Hollywood. She is a shoo-in for a best actress Academy Award nomination. The film is a haunting look at the final year of Garland’s life. She died on June 22, 1969 at the age of 47. Although her life ended tragically, director Rupert Goold shows us why Judy was such an iconic talent on stage. Zellweger is absolutely perfect in the lead role and sings (not lip-syncing) Judy’s songs with breathless passion.
It’s sad to see Judy living out of a suitcase and virtually homeless. This is a woman who gave 40 years of performances on film and stage without anything to show for it. Desperate to keep the custody of her two young children Joey (Lewin Lloyd) and Lorna (Bella Ramsey), she must leave them with her ex-husband producer Sid Luft (Rufus Sewell) so she can take a performing gig in London. This is where most of the story takes place. She is broke in the States because she is too unreliable. Drugs and alcohol have taken their toll on her. When she hits the stage, that amazing voice kicks in. The musical numbers are pure magic.
The film shows flashbacks of teenage Judy (played wonderfully by Darci Shaw) on the set of ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ It shows the harsh truth about Hollywood. She was under contract with MGM and was never allowed to do anything fun. Studio boss Louis B. Mayer was so concerned about her gaining weight during filming that it led to her addiction to diet and sleeping pills. She couldn’t even eat a hamburger with her childhood friend Mickey Rooney without studio handlers controlling her every move. When the film cuts back to the present, Judy is popping pills and battling depression. When she belts out the standards “Come Rain or Come Shine” and “By Myself,” it is electrifying to watch.
At the premiere of ‘Judy’ at the Toronto International Film Festival, Renee Zellweger received a two-minute standing ovation. She told the crowd in her Texas drawl, “Y’all better quit! You’re messing up my makeup!” Zellweger has always been a good actress. This is a fitting comeback. Let’s not forget, she won an Academy Award for ‘Cold Mountain’ (2003). She had me at hello in ‘Jerry Maguire’ (1996). The first time you hear her sing in ‘Judy’ completely immerses you into the transformation. This is a masterclass performance that is Oscar worthy. It is also a grim reminder that getting over the rainbow is not always a happy Hollywood ending.
‘Judy’ is a heartfelt portrait of a Hollywood legend in the declining years of her life and career. Thanks to Zellweger’s fantastic performance, it feels authentic and poignant. You will hear more about this film as the award season approaches. Welcome back, Ms. Zellweger and bravo to one of the best performances of the year!
