Like other HBO productions I have seen, Gia is an excellent film that inspires further exploration and repeat viewings. In fact, it's better the second time, after a little research. It has captured the essence of what I've learned through hours on the web, and I recommend it.
The first time I watched, I was put-off by the general detached tone of the interviews: what they said about Gia, and the overwhelming sense of narcissism and pleasure that she took in being outlandish, conveyed by Jolie's acting and by the interviewees' words. I didn't start to care for Gia until about halfway through, when she began to express some vulnerability and the sense of being a whole person, instead of the one-dimensional selfishness exhibited earlier.
I believe Jolie is well-suited to this character (who is similar to her role of Lisa in "Girl, Interrupted"), and did an excellent job. I am not a fan, but I do have a new respect for her, based on these roles/films. As the other members of the primary cast, Elizabeth Mitchell and Mercedes Ruehl bring compassion and humanity to the film and to Gia; I cared for her, in part, because they cared for her, and in part, because I cared for - and could identify with - them. The film may be worth seeing for their performances alone.
A documentary was later produced, and seems to be in the style of the HBO film. Clips are available at http://www.theself-destructionofgia.com/index.html
The first time I watched, I was put-off by the general detached tone of the interviews: what they said about Gia, and the overwhelming sense of narcissism and pleasure that she took in being outlandish, conveyed by Jolie's acting and by the interviewees' words. I didn't start to care for Gia until about halfway through, when she began to express some vulnerability and the sense of being a whole person, instead of the one-dimensional selfishness exhibited earlier.
I believe Jolie is well-suited to this character (who is similar to her role of Lisa in "Girl, Interrupted"), and did an excellent job. I am not a fan, but I do have a new respect for her, based on these roles/films. As the other members of the primary cast, Elizabeth Mitchell and Mercedes Ruehl bring compassion and humanity to the film and to Gia; I cared for her, in part, because they cared for her, and in part, because I cared for - and could identify with - them. The film may be worth seeing for their performances alone.
A documentary was later produced, and seems to be in the style of the HBO film. Clips are available at http://www.theself-destructionofgia.com/index.html