MovieChat Forums > Judy (2019) Discussion > Well, She pulled it off

Well, She pulled it off

posted 5 years ago by [email protected] (1732)
23 replies | jump to latest

I am a fan of nearly 50 years, and I, too, had great skepticism over RZ pulling off this
complex, brilliant performer. But by God, she does.

True, her vocals are not convincing, but her fierce performance of the numbers sells them.

The timeline if a little off with some of the facts, but artistic license is to be accepted.

The film is a rough ride, as one is watching someone slowly die before your eyes.

The most brilliant aspect of the film for me, is it shows how desperately lonely some of
these stars really were (are).

The filmmakers don't hide the wrinkles and sad, dark truth. But in the end, Judy's
HUMANITY is honored.

They got it right.

[–] skipper (305) 5 years ago

That's good to hear. I have been struggling as to whether I want to see this or not. So it's truthful? I have heard that Judy's children were not supporting this movie. If so, do you know why?

[–] [email protected] (1732) 5 years ago

Well, I don't support 73 year-old Liza's NOT supporting it. She should know by now that her mother is a legend and
PUBLIC FIGURE.

As for Lorna, it appears it's only okay as LONG AS SHE HAS HER HAND IN THE TILL. After all, she IS Sid's daughter,
too, and she seems to have spent the second half of her life making money off her mother's "songs."

Judy is a good film, which features a GREAT performance by RZ. She has the mannerisms, posture, even the
bewildered glances down to a pat.

I think you will miss out if you don't see it.

[–] skipper (305) 5 years ago

Thank you for your response. I will see it.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 5 years ago

I hope you enjoy it. Please post your thoughts! I'm very curious.

[–] skipper (305) 5 years ago

I saw Judy tonight. RZ was excellent! Like you, I wasn't too sure of how she would be. I was pleasantly surprised. Her mannerisms were perfect. Physically, though, she was in much better shape than Judy and Judy looked much older than the 46 years that she was when this movie took place. I guess only so much could be done when it comes to that. We couldn't expect RZ to become as skinny as Judy was.

Maybe you can shed some light on the Oz set? I was confused as to why it was the way it was. A tiny Yellow Brick Road, barn, cornfield, and poppies all on the same set. Was this how Judy was remembering it? Please excuse me if the answer is obvious.

I don't know that I will watch it again, though. It was very good but I found it depressing. I did find myself smiling during the scene with the omelette.

There is no doubt in my mind that RZ will receive an Oscar nomination for this performance.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's helpful because I would much sooner take the recommendation of a life-long fan like yourself than some random critic. I'll definitely see this now. Cheers.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 5 years ago

And it supports Judy. If more people see it, the more money it will make. The more the money it makes, the better
the chance that "The Harvey Girls", "Ziegfeld Follies", "The Pirate" and "In the Good Old Summertime" will be released
on Blu Ray.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

Ah so you have a bit of a strategy there too... brilliant, I love it.

[–] ProductionNow (1072) 5 years ago

really...a "tribute" and entertainment, or exploitation ($$) masquerading as a tribute? Maybe random critics can be more objective than long-life fans, by the way. I don't see any bios made about Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley,etc. to support them (nor should there be)

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

Well I know personally I would be hyper-critical about any biopic of someone I was a huge fan of. I certainly wouldn't recommend it if I found it to be exploitative. I'm assuming gbennett wouldn't either.

It's similar to the recent Queen biopic. While critics were trashing it, a friend who is a massive Queen fan just raved about it, so I gave that opinion priority and I'm pretty glad I did, it was a great night out at the movies :)

[–] [email protected] (1732) 5 years ago

Just ignore ProductionNow, a TROLL of the highest order.

Many "objective" critics, including Kenneth Turan of The L.A. Times, called RZ's performance a "joy."

[–] ProductionNow (1072) 5 years ago

bananaman
I think it could could go either way: being super-critical because of your deep admiration of a celebrity, or feeling appreciative for just having them remembered in a film, regardless of the quality of the actor's performance. I was just offering a different perspective.
At the same time, since a person is a great fan and enjoyed seeing her remembered, it naturally would not seem exploitative. Thanks for your reply.
(I now recall Michelle Williams' portrayal of Marilyn, so I retract my comment about films still not being made about iconic celebrities)

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

Of course, that makes sense. I honestly didn't mean to make such a big deal of it, I just thought it was nice that a Judy Garland fan gives this the thumbs up. I mean these days Judy Garland fans would be few and far between I'd say, so it's good to have an expert's opinion here.

[–] ProductionNow (1072) 5 years ago

You didn't make a big deal about it, but were nice. And I know what you mean : the more time that goes by, the less that people remember veteran stars

[–] Jes' Sayin' (5946) 5 years ago

My Week With Marilyn came out just a few years ago.

[–] ProductionNow (1072) 5 years ago

I recall My Week With Marilyn. I was just saying that one doesn't need to be an expert (and I don't even know what that adjective really conveys in this case ) to acknowledge whether an actor did a realistic portrayal. "Expert" is a strong scientific-sounding word. I am not saying Zellwegger did not do an excellent job, yet I could see that without being a big Judy Garland fan (same with Monroe).

[–] Jes' Sayin' (5946) 5 years ago

1. It's about acting the part that's on the page. It doesn't have to be an impression.
2. 99% of the audience won't see the details mentioned and/or won't care.
3. You might find an actor, maybe, who looks and speaks more like her and has more of her mannerisms, but chances are she wouldn't be able to do all the other things that Renee Zellweger does here.

[–] ProductionNow (1072) 5 years ago

I agree. Zellweger did an excellent job, as I mentioned above.

[–] Faridah (1325) 5 years ago

I agree the movie was like a roller coaster. I’m not a crier and it takes a lot to me to tears. But I was near tears most of the movie especially at the end. My heart ached for her. I wanted to take her hand and let her know she is loved and adored. The scene with her meeting two fans and what happened after that just chocked me up. My goodness my heart felt torn out many times. It was an excellent movie and my only issue is the sudden ending as I had to explain a lot to my daughter who is in her 20s. Judy died well before
I was born but I’ve been a fan for 35+ years. My aunt had me watching her movies and films at a very young age.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (5946) 5 years ago

Yes, very well done. Amazingly tragic and uplifting at the same time as well.

Will be amazed if there aren't some nominations for Renee Zellweger next year.

[–] beauq81 (1016) 5 years ago

I've only seen the trailer, but I have a feeling Judy Davis did a better job.

[–] heyteegs (1207) 4 years ago

I saw the movie and Judy Davis DID do a better job.

[–] Disneyfan (23) 5 years ago

Renee Zellweger did a great performance but I don't think she looked that much like Judy Garland.