95. Janey; movie review

 

JANEY

Cert TBA

78 mins

BBFC advice: TBA

"Are you ok watching this?"

I thought that seeing Janey might be a bit much for Mrs W so soon after her own cancer treatment.

But she wanted to watch it, and we agreed that, despite Janey Godley's awful prognosis, this documentary about her life was uplifting rather than gloomy.

Godley endured a tempestuous life before dedicating herself full-time to comedy in the 1990s.

She became hugely successful, but her career nosedived after appalling old tweets were brought into public view.

However, she was on the road to redemption when cancer struck - and, after hoping she was in remission, it has returned with a vengeance.

Nevertheless, she has embarked on a "Not Dead Yet" tour, and John Archer's film captures her on stage and away from it, weaving in details of her tumultuous life.

The latter include being sexually abused as a child by her uncle, the suspected murder of her mother, being forced to leave the family pub by her husband's bullying brothers and going on the comedy circuit because of the need to bring in money.

Supporting her is her fantastic daughter Ashley, who is autistic and also a stand-up comic.

Meanwhile, Janey is undergoing chemotherapy, knowing that it is still unlikely that she will survive this latest cancer.

She faces it stoically and jokes about what has happened to her during her on-stage performance.

This movie could have been difficult to endure because it contains upsetting scenes. (My heart was breaking for Janey's daughter.)

But there are plenty of giggles, even a few belly laughs and who knew that Nicola Sturgeon could be self-deprecating and funny?

Reasons to watch: Funny and real

Reasons to avoid: Upsetting scenes

Laughs: Four

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: Yes

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? In 2006, Janey was nominated and was close runner-up for the annual Scotswoman of the Year title as ‘the most inspirational woman in Scotland.

The final word. Janey Godley: "After all I’ve been through these past two years, the film has been the energy boost I needed to pick me up. I hope everyone enjoys the highs and lows. "

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