"Judy"

By Halle Fodness

From film director Rupert Goold, “Judy” examines the life of Judy Garland, and more specifically the series of London concerts she performed towards the end of her life.  Although Renée Zellweger’s performance as Judy Garland was praiseworthy, the movie fell short in almost every other aspect.

The film focuses on Judy’s struggle to cope with financial issues, drug addiction, and the residual trauma left over from her adolescence. Flashbacks are used intermittently to give the audience a look into the abuse she experienced as a child star.

Zellweger’s portrayal of Garland is raw and unapologetic, breathing life into an otherwise lackluster movie. Her character work as Garland is studied and she gracefully balances both the charm and sadness Garland possessed. Her facial expressions in particular are phenomenal. Subtle changes in her eyes, mouth, and brows perfectly convey each emotion she experiences. The goal of Zellweger’s performance is honesty, and it succeeds magnificently in this respect.

“Judy” is bogged down by its pervasive mediocrity. The dialogue is uninspired, and most characters feel flat and underdeveloped. This lack of development in the movie’s structure left it feeling somewhat half-baked, a disappointing contrast from the quality of Zellwegger’s performance.

The movie’s energy piques during Judy’s solo acts singing on the London stage. Zellwegger’s extensive vocal training pays off, as she is able to capture the raw passion Garland performed with. While it lacks anything groundbreaking, “Judy” feels worthwhile simply because of the powerhouse Zellwegger brings to the screen.