Cast
View AllJon Hamm
as Sid Luft (voice)
Jennifer Jason Leigh
as Judy Garland (voice)
Judy Garland
as Self (archive footage)
Fred Astaire
as Self (archive footage)
Count Basie
as Self (archive footage)
George Cukor
as Self (archive footage)
Mary Jane Gumm
as Self (archive footage)
Virginia Gumm
as Self (archive footage)
Lena Horne
as Self (archive footage)
George Jessel
as Self (archive footage)
Norman Jewison
as Self (voice)
Gene Kelly
as Self (archive footage)
Joey Luft
as Self (archive footage)
Lorna Luft
as Self (archive footage)
Dean Martin
as Self (archive footage)
Crew
Director
- Stephen Kijak
Writer
- Stephen Kijak
- Claire Didier
Producer
- John Battsek
- Diane Becker
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Sid & Judy represents a fascinating example of Documentary/History cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Stephen Kijak brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Sid & Judy took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1406 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sid & Judy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Last Emperor, which focuses more on action than character development, Sid & Judy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Gandhi and Hollywood Unmasked 2 explore similar territory, Sid & Judy stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 26, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to Watch



