Sid & Judy

This is mostly about Judy and not that much about Luft. Which is fine with me. It also has, perhaps, a little too much singing from Judy, even though it's her singing that we remember most, although it has to be said that she could be an excellent actress and this isn't explored more deeply. But the rarely seen footage across her entire career is just too precious. Not perfect, but wonderful nonetheless. Judy we miss you.

Really quite fascinating doc about Judy Garland as told through archival footage and her 3rd husband's journals. Jon Hamm as the voice of Sid Lyft is exceptional - Jennifer Jason Leigh is horrific as the voice of Judy Garland (forced and distractingly bad).

Otherwise great film!

Let's face it, there is no denying the woman's talent, I had goosebumps just listening to a fraction of a song. I could only wish I have a voice even a third as good as hers.

However, what a tortured and horrific life this poor woman had to lead? It does seem that she might have been a bit of a bug@er too, but probably more as a result of the abuses she had faced and from a lack of control over her own life, than out of nature.

This film focuses on Sid Luft's experiences with Judy and takes excerpts from his memoirs, along with recorded phone conversations and snippets of other elements, played over clips and photos in such a clever way that allows you to easily get a look at the legends life during that time and understand what went wrong and how.

It's not often that I watch documentaries, but having recently watched Renee Zellweger in 'Judy' I found that I wanted to know more about Miss Garland and see how much of the biopic was true. I definitely preferred this interpretation of her time, even though it wasn't a story as such. There was just something about it that gave great clarity.

I wonder if she would have been the icon she is today if she hadn't been forced to do all those horrible things. Did they make her the star she is that way or would she have been just as magnificent if she had been able to diet sensibly and was at ease to drink more carefully? We will never know and that's a great shame, because we lost something amazing when she went and there aren't many that even come close to her talent today.

The title of this documentary grated on me, with Luft taking first billing, but I stuck with it as a huge fan of Judy. What can't be disputed is Luft, in a way, did reignite Judy's career. She received her first Oscar nomination, and played to millions live. However, Judy was born with a God given talent ,which even when she duets with Barbra Streisand, who went on to star in an inferior version of A Star is Born, it is Judy you are drawn to. What I learned was how funny Judy was. When she describes the media frenzy when she is nominated for Star at her hospital bedside it is genuinely hilarious! I also learned Luft was a two faced chancer who promised to look after and not hurt Judy, but like most in her life, milked her for funds and kept her on pills to perform. Judy couldn't respond to how Luft rewrote her history but it is she who will be remembered forever. Watch this for Judy and take Luft with a giant pinch of salt. Best thing about him is he was voiced well by Jon Hamm.

I always thought Judy was a more powerful, engaging, enigmatic vocalist compared to the mega perfect pipes of Ms. Streisand. However, the clip of their duet was most educational. Barbra was clearly more technical with stronger range and clearer vocals than Judy. I was trying to assess why I felt the opposite. Well, when you have such a tragic life it really shines through in your interpretation of any form of words and music. Judy died so very young in obvious trauma seeped life events. Meanwhile her counterpart lives on in infamy with near perfect health. How can that be felt through the air waves? I am unable to conclusively state how but the difference is palpable. Just an observation that surprised me. Judy's final song portrayed such incredible depth and energy despite severe health issues and represents one of the most amazing talents in history. Wait till you hear how long she holds that final note, almost super human. The rest of the film concerns Luft's diary notes and provides some insight to her many career struggles as well as her affable, warm nature. The rumors of his pilfering her bank accounts were white washed and assume we may never know who stole what from whom. She didn't seem to care and guess neither do I. High recommend for her fans but certainly as a unique talent that rarely manages to touch those sentimental heartstrings. What a force!