Minnelli doesn’t approve of biopic
In March, photos circulated online of Renee Zellweger looking unrecognizable, but not for the controversial reasons people had been speculating about in recent years.
Zellweger was made up to look like a 40-something Judy Garland in the final months of her life for a new biographical film about the show business legend.
It’s safe to assume that Zellweger, 49, sees “Judy” as a great opportunity to continue her career comeback after a six-year hiatus from Hollywood and after the warm reception that “Bridget Jones’s Baby” received in 2016.
With “Judy,” she has the juicy role of playing Garland as she was seeking her own comeback after years of setbacks due to deteriorating health and drug and alcohol abuse.
But with “Judy” looking for an awards-season release in November, at least one prominent figure connected to Garland is slamming the whole idea of the film: Garland’s daughter Liza Minnelli. In a post on Facebook, Minnelli responded to a report that she approves of the film or that she “bonded” with Zellweger over the latter’s portrayal of her mother, the Guardian reported.
“I have never met nor spoken to Renée Zellweger,” Minnelli wrote. “I don’t know how these stories get started, but I do not approve nor sanction the upcoming film about Judy Garland in any way.”
The film opens in December 1968 when Garland traveled to London to perform in a series of sold-out concerts at London’s Talk of the Town nightclub.
The film also delves into Garland’s behind-thescenes battles with management, her relationships with musicians and fans, and “the unfolding family drama” that provided the backdrop to the London performances, Variety added.
It sounds like “Judy” has lots of emotionally powerful material to draw from. It could provide Zellweger with a tour de force opportunity. It will be interesting to see if Minnelli’s disapproval of the film dampens enthusiasm for it or for Zellweger’s continued effort to return to the A-list.