Hathaway Goes Over the Rainbow

This morning the Trades are confirming that Anne Hathaway is in talks with the Weinstein Co. to play Judy Garland in their new project based on Gerald Clarke’s recently optioned, emotionally intense biography “Get Happy.” It’s a tall order for any actress to take on one of the supreme entertainers of the last century, and Hathaway’s name doesn’t exactly spring to mind when you think of the words ‘musical theatre,’ although Hathaway does happen to be a classically trained soprano. And I’m sure that her duet with Hugh Jackman at this year’s Oscars was key to Harvey Weinstein’s decision who said “We are thrilled to have the brilliantly talented Anne Hathaway portray stage and screen legend Judy Garland. I have worked with Anne on projects in the past and have known her for many years. She will be a true class act in this challenging role.”
There is no confirmation yet on whether or not she will lip sync (which worked well for Marion Cotillard in the marvelous La Vie en Rose) or do her own singing.
Last year, Hathaway demonstrated her ability to take on complicated, adult roles with  her Oscar-nominated performance as a recovering drug addict in Rachel Getting Married. (Although I must say, the complicated life that was Judy Garland’s makes Hathaway’s character in Rachel look like a Disney character.)
Judy is one of my absolute all time favorites so I must confess I am a wee bit nervous about the announcement of a biopic … fingers are crossed that Hollywood doesn’t screw up Garland’s life story the way it screwed up Garland’s life.