The Vegas Voice 12-19

Judy
By: Renee Riendeau / Movie Revelations
Judy Garland! Movie star at 13 and obituary
at 47. We remember her for The Wizard of
Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, and A Star is Born.
Rather than a star is born, it’s more like a star
burns out. Get your hankies ready. Few Hollywood star careers are as
beloved and tragic as Judy Garland’s.
This film is graphic in showing the unforgivable treatment of
Garland’s childhood; forced to take uppers to lose weight and downers
to fall asleep. In her adult years - depression, alcoholism and substance
abuse.
When she visited London for five weeks (to raise money for a custody
battle - she couldn’t keep her children for lack of funds) she staggered
around the stage in a stupor and fell in front of the audience. Due to
her alcoholism her vocal chords were shot and her voice would often
crack. She was a train wreck!
The Talk of the Town nightclub, where she was performing booed her
off the stage. This is almost unbearable to watch.
A former Oscar winner, Renee Zellweger was chosen to portray
this fading star. Critics rightfully state: “There hasn’t been a female
performer to touch her performance in “Judy” this year.”
Renee’s elfin haircut, red smudged lipstick, fabulous flamboyant 60s
outfits were Judy down to every detail. Zellweger has some terrific lines
which she delivers with wit and panache.
She’s charming, a diva, believably incoherent, and ultimately
sympathetic; she melts into her role. Renee sings “For Once in my Life”,
“Come Rain or Come Shine” with conviction and an extraordinary
vocal achievement.
The tension Zellweger generates between Garland as a performer and
her aching need and vulnerability as a person has us hanging on to her
every word. She gives a dazzling performance that’s destined for the red
carpet, if not The Yellow Brick Road.
I give her five boxes of buttered popcorn - plus an Oscar nomination!
Renee Riendeau is the movie critic for “Renee’s Revelations”
on Anthem Alive SCA-TV. As a dog sitter she operates “ Renee’s
Roommates” out of her home and can be reached at
rriendeau@aol.com.
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