In 2009 Harvey Weinstein announced the development of a Judy Garland biopic titled Get Happy with Anne Hathaway attached to play the iconic actress. The film is based on the biography penned by Gerald Clarke and it was reported that it would be “a fascinating and comprehensive look at Garland’s life,” as it sourced some of theWizard of Oz star’s own writings.
Since the initial announcement not much has been heard of the project until now. Yesterday Hathaway was on BBC Radio 4′s Front Row and discussed the project,
I’m hoping in the next two years to start production on a project about the life of Judy Garland and in that one I’m going to have to age, go from quite young to quite old… I had a meeting on it a couple of weeks ago and we’re all very motivated. It’s just it’s a very sensitive project and there have been so many stories told about her life that we’re really trying to get it right and so we’re taking our time with it. I know it seems sort of an endless process but it’s very very slow incremental steps!
I remember being quite impressed with Hathaway’s singing abilities when she sang alongside Hugh Jackman and the Oscars. She is concerned that many fans feel that the voice of Judy Garland sacred and goes on to say,
I certainly don’t sing like Judy Garland but the talk is to have me do the singing but I think people might cry bloody murder if they don’t get to hear their – if we don’t get to hear Judy’s beloved voice. The talk is for me to sing but I don’t know if that’s exactly going to happen.
As of now, there is not a director attached to the project. When that happens, the film willl definitely gain more traction. I would love to see her portray Garland and do the actual singing for the film. What are your thoughts?
Source: BleedingCool
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I was impresssed with Anne Hathaway in Rachel Getting Married, but I just don’t see her as a good fit for this role. She doesn’t look like Judy Garland, doesn’t sing like Judy, and while she might have good acting chops, the right spirit just wouldn’t be there. Biopics are sensitive because you aren’t just dealing with a character- you’re dealing with someone who actually existed. Think of Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf and then imagine Anne Hathaway doing the same thing as Judy Garland. I just can’t see it.
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Well she already has the part, it is just a matter of whose voice they will use for the singing parts. Hathaway is hands down one of the most talented actresses working today.
Not a bad post, quite an informative read.
Espresso Makers
I love Anne as an actress. But NO ONE can capture Judy Garland’s unique voice. Judy Davis did a great job as Garland. Wisely the artistic team behind” Me and My Shadows” used Garland’s voice, and it was very effective.
I think any actress in her right mind would find this to be true.
I’ve always thought Hathaway had a classic 1940s/50s Hollywood look/appeal, I think she’d be perfect for the role.
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Sounds like a winning combination!
On November 21, 2010, Anne Hathaway hosted Saturday Night Live. One of the sketches that evening was a spoof on “The Wizard of OZ. I was shocked! Anne looked exactly like Judy Garland at the age of 17 when Judy made the movie. Anne could talk like Judy, she had Judy’s (Dorothy’s) body movements and, yes, she can sing! Although this was just a comedy sketch, I would ask anybody who has any doubts about Anne Hathaway’s abilities to play Judy Garland to see this sketch. It is on You Tube. I say Anne will win an Oscar and give Judy Garland’s fans a movie they will be proud of!