Georgia

Rating:
Summary: Georgia on My Mind
Review: As soon as Georgia was released on video. I ran out and paid full price for it; I'd seen it several times in the theatre (for free), but I bear to be too long parted from it.

It's said that there's nothing new under the sun, but the theme of this movie was something I haven't seen explored much-- not thematically, that I can recall: at its core it's about the desire to express oneself artistically in the absence of talent.

This is a hard film to watch, I'm going to tell you that right away. Fortunately, Jennifer Jason Leigh isn't really a no-talent hack, she only plays one in the movie. Could she be any greater? I gave up ordering strawberry ice cream a long time ago, because it's just never as good as you think it's going to be, and I was just about ready to do the same with movies, before I saw this one. I mean, when was the last time I saw someone actually trying to act? The memories are fuzzy. In fact, it might have
been another lifetime. Sadie's (Leigh's character) stands in serpentine postures that remind me of the kids in high school I would expect to grow up into Sadies; how difficult a task for an actress to sing badly, yet soulfully, and at the same time communicate that the character thinks she is singing well? and Leigh manages. It's beautiful and heart-breaking.

And by the way, Mare Winningham (who plays Sadie's sister) can sing. Who'd have thought?

Rating:
Summary: Georgia on My Mind
Review: As soon as Georgia was released on video. I ran out and paid full price for it; I'd seen it several times in the theatre (for free), but I bear to be too long parted from it.

It's said that there's nothing new under the sun, but the theme of this movie was something I haven't seen explored much-- not thematically, that I can recall: at its core it's about the desire to express oneself artistically in the absence of talent.

This is a hard film to watch, I'm going to tell you that right away. Fortunately, Jennifer Jason Leigh isn't really a no-talent hack, she only plays one in the movie. Could she be any greater? I gave up ordering strawberry ice cream a long time ago, because it's just never as good as you think it's going to be, and I was just about ready to do the same with movies, before I saw this one. I mean, when was the last time I saw someone actually trying to act? The memories are fuzzy. In fact, it might have
been another lifetime. Sadie's (Leigh's character) stands in serpentine postures that remind me of the kids in high school I would expect to grow up into Sadies; how difficult a task for an actress to sing badly, yet soulfully, and at the same time communicate that the character thinks she is singing well? and Leigh manages. It's beautiful and heart-breaking.

And by the way, Mare Winningham (who plays Sadie's sister) can sing. Who'd have thought?

Rating:
Summary: Leigh--ugh!
Review: Extraordinarily gifted as she is, Jennifer Jason Leigh gives a horribly mannered performance as the lesser half of a sister tandem. She ruins the picture with studied tics. Playing the title role of Georgia, the successful singer in the family, Amy Madigan is so much better than Leigh. Hers is a quiet, intelligent performance which deservedly got an Oscar nomination. Leigh fooled the New York film critics who gave her their top accolade as Best Actress! Yuck!

Rating:
Summary: A very powerful character-driven movie
Review: Georgia is an examination of two sisters who obviously love each other very much, in spite of the fact that one is a talentless junkie and the other a successful musician and mother.

Georgia and Sadie need each other for some very strange, real reasons, and it takes a long while to understand why.

Winningham and Leigh both put on great performances in this film, but the supporting cast also does a great job, especially Georgia's husband and the leader of Sadie's band.

The soundtrack for this movie is also fantastic. It was all recorded live for the film and ranges from blues to rock to country.

Rating:
Summary: Heartbreaking.
Review: I agree entirely with the reviewer from Hawaii. Leonard Maltin and other crtics missed the point of this movie entirely. It's not the first time. Sadie Flood (Leigh's character) is NOT talentless. The scene where she is singing "Take Me Back," a soulful Van Morrison song that requires immense feeling and wide artistic range, is proof alone that while Leigh may not possess a voice like Emmy Lou Harris, her character (Sadie)is clearly an artist. That her sisterfeels the need to run out and "save" her is evidence of Georgia's insecurities. The Leonard Maltins of the world think Britney Spears is art. These are the same people who would dismiss Johnny Thunders or Johnny Rotten or anything outside the mainstream as "not art" or "no talent." Really sad. I should point out , too, that Sadie Flood serves as a back-up singer in a band fronted by former X frontman, John Doe. Is he talentless, too? Sadie is not untalented. Rather she is in terrible inexplicable pain that is only hinted at. It is likely rooted in her own family history (note the unexplored "appearance" of her father while she lies in detox. A mirage? A hope?) "Georgia" is a great film. But it is not about what the "professional reviewers" say it is about. As I see it, Georgie is jealous of Sadie, because while Georgia has talent and fame and wealth, she doesn't have the depth of feeling or the magic that her younger sister has.

Rating:
Summary: Trouble In Mind.
Review: I keep trying to write reviews about this movie, and they either get lost, or I get interrupted. But I'm determined to add my 2 cents about this great movie because I feel so strongly about Jennifer Jason Leighs miraculous performance. She is touched by God (or Satan), because she so totally immerses herself into her role as "Sadie", that there is not a hint of "acting." She so perfectly captures those downed-out girls I saw in punk clubs in the '70's & '80's (where are THEY now??), and her slide down the gutter of addiction is so real, you may find yourself trying to wipe the droul off your t.v. screen. Sadie's pathetic attempts to "be somebody", in light of her sister, "Georgia", who not only has "respectable" fame, but, a seemingly stable family..etc, is heartbreaking to behold. The nuances of her portrayal are newly un-covereed at each viewing, leaving you just shaking your head in amazement at her performance. I'm surprised some viewers found her interpretation "mannered", to put it kindly. Because I recognized her mannerisms, her sad creation of a "Sadie" to hide the real hurt inside,as traits I have seen in many troubled people I have known. Hey, you either get it, or you don't. I have always admired Ms. Leighs work, always thought she was an exceptional actress, but this role just "blew me away", for want of a better phrase. I don't want to take anything away from all the other actors, stars, superstars, commercial draws, etc..., out there in "La-La Land", but this girl is SO much more of an artist, wonder, PRESENCE, that 99% of the others should just forget it. She makes you realize what true talent is, not just a bunch of hype.I almost feel bad about going on about her, because this movie also has one of my all-time favorite actresses,the incredibly gifted Mare Winningham.Her "Georgia" is a very subtle, perfect contrast, to J.J.Leighs "Sadie."I've always hoped Oliver Stone would make a film of another one of the handful of people who had true, God-given talent, Janis Joplin, and that Mare Winningham would star. She would be perfect. If you can ever get your hands on her early work "Off The Minnesota Strip"(?), do so, as it is a precursor of J.J.Leighs role as Sadie.She is miraculous in it. The supporting players are all very good also in Georgia, especially John Doe, of "X" fame. (One of the best bands EVER!!)They all contribute to make a film which will take you on an emotional ride, no...it's not "happy", but, it's worth the trip.You will be in awe at the wonder of the living, breathing, "Sadie."

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Movie!
Review: I really enjoyed "Georgia". Jennifer Jason Leigh's performance is dead on! Her character both annoyed and edeared you at the same time. You could also relate to her sister, Georgia's disdain for her sister's trials and tribulations. I was also pleasantly surprised at Mare Winningham's vocal skills. I really enjoyed her singing on the song "If I wanted" according to the credits at the end, she also wrote the song. I was just dissapointed there was no movie soundtrack album. This movie is a must see!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Movie!
Review: I really enjoyed "Georgia". Jennifer Jason Leigh's performance is dead on! Her character both annoyed and edeared you at the same time. You could also relate to her sister, Georgia's disdain for her sister's trials and tribulations. I was also pleasantly surprised at Mare Winningham's vocal skills. I really enjoyed her singing on the song "If I wanted" according to the credits at the end, she also wrote the song. I was just dissapointed there was no movie soundtrack album. This movie is a must see!

Rating:
Summary: So bad I turned it off halfway through!
Review: I tried to watch this poor excuse for a film for about an hour. Who cares about a drunk, would-be singer in a movie with absolutely no plot and not the least bit of suspense. I only rented it because critics had raved about it (I should have known better--many times I've regretted renting a movie for that reason). Would definitely NOT recommend this to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Stunning Performance & Great Tunes
Review: Rarely will you see an actress commit herself so deeply to a role as Miss Leigh does in this film. She is a terrrific actress with a fine body of work, and is proof positive of mainstream Hollywood's lack of commitment to true art. John C. Reilly is dead-on, and John Doe is perfect. In addition to terrific perfomances, you also get some great music. Lots of Velvet Underground stuff as performed by Doe with Leigh singing backup, Leigh sings "Almost Blue" very touchingly, and a great rendition of Van Morrison's "Take Me Back". This is a magnificient film (a bit trite in the plot, sure) that lends itself to repeat viewing.