Before you start pulling your hair and ranting at the wind, let’s do this. Let’s just concede that a Judy Garland biopic was inevitable. Every great screen legend with an interesting backstory will inevitably get a movie made about him or her. For instance, there are two being made about Steve McQueen right now. Hollywood is running out of movies to remake, so they’re forced to start mining the lives of screen legends. Don’t worry: In 20 years, they’ll be making biopics of Robert Downey, Jr. and Heath Ledger, too. Probably Lindsay Lohan, as well.
So, with that out of the way, if you had to pick an actress in her 20s (who can also play her 30s and 40s) to play Judy Garland, who would you pick? You need a decent actress, somebody that can look the part, and who can sing (the biopic will be a musical). There really aren’t a lot of choices, are there? Blake Lively? Megan Fox? Amy Adams? No. No. No.
Anne Hathaway was really the only logical choice. And that’s who the Weinsteins cast to play Garland in an adaptation of Gerald Clarke’s Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland, which will be made into both a movie and a stage production, both starring Hathaway. Like the book, the productions will track Garland’s personal and professional life, from her days as a child star, through her turmoil with alcohol and drugs, up until the last days of her life.
Of course, if I had to choose someone else to play Judy Garland, I might just go with this choice:
Now, I just hope they get around to Audrey Hepburn movie before Keri Russell is too old to play the part.
Posted by: coveredinbees at March 23, 2009 8:29 PM
Anne Hatthaway? was it her or Anne Heche out there in Hollywood eatin' all that pussy?
Posted by: Pookie at March 23, 2009 8:37 PM
For her 40's it would have some, bloated, busted-up battle ax so I'd have to go with: Courtney Love.
'natch
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at March 23, 2009 8:38 PM
Jesus, Barbadoslim, are you even trying? It's kinda sad to watch as you struggle to be inventively crude.
Posted by: serenity_now at March 23, 2009 8:45 PM
Wow, this is gonna be one gay movie. And this is coming from a guy who lets men fuck him stupid. GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY. Although I'm still gonna totally watch it.
Somewhere, in a darkened room, his masculine form silhouetted against the glare of a computer screen; a TK is dancing with himself.
Posted by: admin at March 23, 2009 8:54 PM
Serenity, Slim is coming to grips with his destiny. At first they struggle, then being crude becomes second nature. Slim is on the same path that I took, soon he will realize that nothing can compare to the power of the dark side.
Posted by: Pookie at March 23, 2009 8:55 PM
Somewhere, in a darkened room, his masculine form silhouetted against the glare of a computer screen; a TK is dancing with himself.
This was beautiful.
Also, very disturbing.
Posted by: FabMax at March 23, 2009 8:57 PM
You mean like Buffalo Bill, admin? I hope he's not making a skin suit.
Posted by: Pookie at March 23, 2009 9:03 PM
God forbid he's dancing with his cock tucked between his legs.
Posted by: Pookie at March 23, 2009 9:05 PM
BSlim, cue the music.
Posted by: admin at March 23, 2009 9:12 PM
Damn. I guessed Scarlett Johannsen. Thank God it's not her or I might have to get the Wicked Witch of the West and Andy Hardy to rampage a Hollywood Easter Parade, running people down with a trolley.
If Zac Efron hadn't pulled out of the remake of Footloose because he doesn't want to get typecast for singing and dancing, I would have suggested he'd be perfect for the role in drag. But then he'd be completely outed typecast.
Posted by: Sharopa at March 23, 2009 9:21 PM
I love his version of that song, so thanks.
Hathaway does have that whole huge-eyes, great-voice thing Judy Garland had, so it COULD work.
You know, looking at that pic at the top, I thought Rose McGowan. I don't know if she can sing, but really, who the hell can sing like Judy Garland anyway?
maybe hathaway could do it top-less, she`s got a great rack!
Posted by: pasadenamike at March 23, 2009 9:55 PM
So I guess we know why Hathaway's been singing every chance she got, she was campaigning.
Biopics are getting to be such pandering trifles; can't they think of something else?
... No? Really... But why not? Well, I guess they do tend to rape childhood stories, but Where the wild things are looks promising... Yea, I guess that's really the only one, but...
No, you're right, it's better that they do biopics. But couldn't they just try original stories?
Nope? What's that you say? Creativity costs too damn much? Eff.
Posted by: Kayanne at March 23, 2009 10:05 PM
I think the question we all should be asking here is more, "Is this really necessary? I mean, with the book, and the CD "Judy Garland Speaks", do we need anything else?" (for those of you who've heard that CD, I'm sorry.
For those of you who haven't . . . I'm sorry)
Posted by: Rowen at March 23, 2009 10:14 PM
Damn. I guessed Scarlett Johannsen.
Me, too. Makes Anne Hathaway look pretty damn good, don't ya think?
Posted by: Elfrieda at March 23, 2009 10:55 PM
Oooh Rufus *swoon* you are so GAY and I love you for it.
And I would absolutely rather see him in a wig play Miss Judy than almost anyone else.
To be fair, it could have been much much worse than Hathaway.
Posted by: So16183 at March 23, 2009 11:11 PM
Why has no one mentioned that Judy Davis already played Judy Garland and she was great! Hell, she won an Emmy, Golden Globe AND a SAG award for it. I don't care that it was a made-for-TV movie, it was a fantastic bit of acting in any medium. I understand why they wouldn't have Judy Davis do it, but I guarantee you Anne Hathaway is not going to be half as good.
Posted by: fignuisance at March 23, 2009 11:18 PM
Wha? Wha? Wha?
A Judy Garland biopic starring the beautiful Anne Hathaway? Is it my fucking birthday or what?
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
I just had a fucking gay heartattack.
I need to go listen to "Moon River" and compose myself.
Posted by: The Pink Hulk at March 23, 2009 11:37 PM
OK, I'm calm now. I had a Fresca.
Now, not to take a dig at Anne or anything, but do any of you agree that a better choice for this role would have been Zooey Deschanel? She can act, she can sing, and she's pretty freakin' cute.
And something, just something, tells me she can capture "fucked up" on screen.
Posted by: The Pink Hulk at March 23, 2009 11:55 PM
Hulk, I actually really agree with you on this. Zooey would probably rock the hell out of the role, but unfortunately since she's not as big a name as Anne, she would probably be forever marked as "That Judy Garland Girl." Which would make me sad faced for her. :-\ See, just like that.
Also, since the "I Love You, Man" thread has rolled over in it's own wonderfully reviewed grave, I'll ask this here: Has anyone seen the new Quizno's commercials for their Foot Long Chibata sammich? Because the guy who played Samberg's married lover is in the commercial holding the foot long sammich and (per request of the voice over guy) talking about it sexily and putting it in "the oven." I don't know why this connection makes me giggle as much as it does, but... Does anyone else think he's hot? Because I do, but I don't really wanna be alone on this.
Posted by: Kayanne at March 24, 2009 12:06 AM
And I dare any of you to listen to this to completion and not get a little misty-eyed starting around the 2:35 mark...
And with that, I swear to God I won't post any more Judy Garland stuff tonight.
Posted by: The Pink Hulk at March 24, 2009 12:06 AM
Biopics are kind of oxymoronic to begin with, since you have inimitable, iconic personalities being portrayed by pale imitations.
Biopics of musical performers tend to be the most problematic, though Coal Miner's Daughter was very good, and Kurt Russell's Elvis TV movie and Gary Busey as Buddy Holley deserve honorable mentions.
I find Anne Hathaway so painfully annoying, so I can picture her horse face gnawing on the scenery during one of Garland's drug binges. Granted, I haven't seen Rachel Getting Married yet, but come ON. The Princess Diaries chick? Are we serious?
@Peter - Coal Miner's Daughter rules. "Ya'll hush up an' listen to me sang..." Awesome.
Posted by: K at March 24, 2009 6:33 AM
So Anne Hathaway is set to play Judy Garland...
And rumor has it, also Holly Golightly in a remake of Breakfast at Tiffany's...
Is this my revenge for bitterly blogging about Ms. Hathaway? I've suffered enough, gah! I'm about ready to smack my head on my laptop, so what, she's trying to get a growing gay fanbase now? Well this sissy is about ready to scream!
Am I seriously the only human being who cannot stand Anne Hathaway? Honestly, I respect that she's trying to make a name for herself, but any self respecting human being knows that pissing on the grave of Audrey Hepburn and Judy Garland is doubly bad.
Ugh, whatever, I'm stepping off my soap box...
As far as this project is concerned, without trying to be "inventively crude" *eyeroll* I think I speak for most of the viewing public when I say NO ONE is asking for this. We have enough of our own trainwrecks, granted they are not anywhere near as talented as Ms. Garland, but still it doesn't make her story any more compelling.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at March 24, 2009 7:13 AM
If we're going to cast actors in biopics solely for their resemblance to the subject, why on earth would Keri Russell play Audrey instead of N. Portman or K. Knightley?
Posted by: samantha t at March 24, 2009 7:51 AM
PHEW!!!!
Panic averted. My first thought was "God, no. They're going to let the Lohan play Garland". So really, anyone else was a super-sweet surprise...
Anna VB - Rose would be a great choice - she's sexy, crazy, a tad frightening...
Posted by: missh at March 24, 2009 8:13 AM
Why, yes, Sarina, I do. With a splash of grenadine, of course.
You know, interestingly enough, I'm really not an effete guy in person. I'm a pretty masculine, run-of-the-mill average kind of guy. I just happen to like dick...and Judy Garland. There's just something about these comment boards that bring out the closeted sissy within!
Posted by: The Pink Hulk at March 24, 2009 8:32 AM
I just wonder how exactly they will market this, and to whom (apart from you Pink Hulk). I mean it's not exactly art-house/indie material, neither is it mainstream. It's the type of thing that would appeal to the demo that used to watch Streisand flicks back in the 80s.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at March 24, 2009 8:52 AM
Sheesh... you people are harsh. I think Anne is perfect for the role. I love her to bits AND she CAN sing. Her acting is also awesome and she has played fantasy-type roles like Judy Garland (so she can bring that aspect), as well as more meaty roles, which means she can do the alcoholic, disheveled, in a mess type acting. Personally, I cannot wait to see her in the movie. I think she will blow EVERYONE away. Good luck Anne!
Keri Russel as Audrey Hepburn... NO WAY!!! Nor could Keira Knightley do Audrey justice! Natalie could possibly, although to me she looks nothing like Audrey.
BSlim you answered your own question: My mother LOVED those Streisand movies, and is still alive and well and going to movies (until they take away her license). She will eat this shit up, and when I won't go with her she will just plunk herself down next to The Pink Hulk and offer to share her candy.
Posted by: rebeck at March 24, 2009 9:55 AM
I love Streisand movies, too. They're GOOD.
Fuck y'all.
Posted by: The Pink Hulk at March 24, 2009 10:09 AM
I don't think I've ever heard a version of this song I didn't like. Is "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" just impossible to ruin?
Posted by: Tracer Bullet at March 24, 2009 10:14 AM
"With a splash of grenadine, of course."
You're a cheeky lil thing, Pinky. I like it a lot.
On a completely unrelated note, I apologise in advance for the fact that I will undoubtedly one day be unable to resist the overwhelming temptation to ask you if you're pondering what I'm pondering.
Also, I'm sorry that I don't like Barbra, but that thing she does with her hands just kinda creeps the hell outta me. I suspect she is not of this earth.
I, also loved "Me and My Shadows" (the tv movie version of the Judy story.) Not only was Judy Davis great, but Hugh Laurie was in it as well - can't go wrong with Hugh Laurie.
I heard snippets of "Judy Garland Speaks" on the radio a while back. All I can remember is drunken muttering with random exclamations of "SID LUFT!" throughout. Judy, we harldy knew ye. And, yeah, I'll probably see the Anne Hathaway flick (the book was very good.)
Posted by: SugarKane at March 24, 2009 11:32 AM
Garland: 4'11 1/2"
Hathaway: 5'8"
NO. No no no no no . . wrong!
While obviously Pajiba is half-drowned in its usual hipster "she's popular so I hate her" cyncism, I like Hathaway. But this just wrong casting. Not to mention that Garland was at times 100 pounds soaking wet. I wouldn't want to see that Anne that thin.
I suppose you could pull a Frodo with digital imaging, but does anyone see that as a good idea?
didn't judy davis already do this?
and wasn't she fantastic?
Posted by: celery at March 24, 2009 12:13 PM
I think Anne would be a great Judy Garland. She's talented enough.
When it comes to Audrey Hepburn, I always thought Audrey Tautou would be great. Emmy Rossum actually did a good job portraying the teenage Hepburn in that Jennifer Love version, but I think she's too bland now to pull it off.
Everyone says Natalie Portman = Audrey Hepburn, but you know what? I think she's too mature for it. Not age-wise, but her personality. Natalie has always been lauded for her ability to act older than her years, but Audrey Hepburn was extremely feminine, girly, and acted so. I just don't see Natalie pulling that off. But after seeing Audrey Tautou play whimsical in Amelie, and painfully mature in Dirty Pretty Things, I think she would do the best job.
Posted by: Brie at March 24, 2009 12:19 PM
uhh, a little late, but sorry Pink Hulk. "shit" was meant in a more general way, I wouldn't call anything Streisand-related shit - my lord, I'd be disowned. I enjoyed her movies growing up... but I'm still not going to this with my mom.
And at least Annie Hathaway can sing pretty well. That puts her above anyone else mentioned for this role.
Posted by: rebeck at March 24, 2009 1:55 PM
I love Rufus! Saw him in a small venue years ago right after his first album was out, damn he can SING! lemme tell ya. Plus I find him tres hot, in spite of the uberflamingness. I'd smear his eyeliner anytime, yessir.
Anne Hathaway's not a bad choice for the role really. I think she might do ok, I was pleasantly surprised by her pipes on the Oscars.
Brie - good call on Tatou = Hepburn. Wasn't JLove Hewett trying for this role a few years back? Now THAT woulda been a casting travesty.
Posted by: GreenMyEyes at March 24, 2009 7:55 PM
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PLEASE PLEASE !! for the love of god NO MORE Anne Hatthaway, just don't make the fuckin' thing, how about that?