Gia

So... there isn't a thread for this movie yet, but honestly? It deserves its own space... 🙂

Anyway—just finally sat down and watched it for the first time, and man, I am floored. Total 10/10. Easily one of the best things I've ever seen.

So, as some of you might know, Angelina Jolie plays the lead... and seriously, it’s hands down her best performance. Period. She nailed every single emotion—it was actually kind of insane how good she was.
The soundtrack hits just right, too. It perfectly sets the mood for the story, which is already top-tier...
Everything about this was executed perfectly. I can't find a single flaw—and trust me, I usually find something wrong even with movies I love. 🙂

Oh, and... just a heads up, I've been meaning to watch this for like two or three years now. Finally got around to it, and I'd tell anyone to go see it.

Probably because of all those lesbian scenes. I can't really justify giving this a 10/10, but then again, that kind of stuff isn't really my thing. The acting gets a bit exhausting too—it feels like everyone is trying way too hard to turn a super simple movie into some massive cinematic event. And honestly? I’m just not feeling Angelina Jolie. She acts like she’s on some pedestal, you know? To me, she'll always be a step below the truly great actresses. Movie score: 6/10.

Such an incredible movie. Honestly, this might even be Angelina Jolie's best performance yet...

I honestly can't wrap my head around how people manage to find awe in things that lack even a shred of logic or common sense.👎

The movie centers on some spoiled, run-of-the-mill model named Gigi Caringa. I took a look at her photos online—nothing special. Angelina is a hundred times more stunning, and she didn't have to wreck her life with heroin to get there. Plenty of us grew up in broken homes with constant fighting, yet we didn't turn out as infantile as this Caringa woman. I don't doubt Angelina's acting skills for a second, and I certainly don't doubt the validity of the whole situation regarding Gigi’s childish, reckless, and irrational behavior, which caused her to spiral so quickly simply due to her own stupidity.

It's a shame there's always someone around ready to idolize that kind of thing...

Let me ask you all something: what exactly is there to admire in this film specifically regarding the story or the script?

If we set aside Angelina's beauty and her performance—because if you focus on those, you're admiring her talent rather than what she was actually trying to convey through the film!

So, look—I’ve watched a ton of movies, and I’ve definitely reached that point where I’m always hunting for actual depth in a story. And honestly? I just stumbled upon one that hits that mark perfectly. There are plenty of decent films out there, sure, but they usually take the cheap route—trying to force emotions through over-the-top acting rather than letting the events themselves tell the story. 🙂 I was actually debating this one with a friend yesterday, and man, the emotional range is wild—everything from heartbreaking to beautiful. It just captures life as it is, which is where the true depth lies. I think I connect with her so much because, honestly, I see myself in her. She seemed so happy on the surface, yet she was so deeply miserable and fed up with everything—all those frustrating people constantly crowding her space. That’s what really got to me. When we were talking about it, I told my friend that the movie has so much layers that most people won't even get it. Some will probably just dismiss her as some spoiled socialite whose actions made zero sense—but that's only because they aren't willing to actually dive into the story. For me? Every single move she made, every escape attempt, every struggle... I felt it all. I put myself in her shoes, and honestly, I don't know if I would've done anything differently myself. 🙂 But people just didn't get it. She was way ahead of her time, struggling with her sexuality, her health, and people constantly walking out on her... right until the end. Even so, she wasn't just "unhappy"—she was genuinely trying to find some beauty in life before the drugs finally took their toll. 😢 And then there's that "dance" at the end—when she says she knows God has a plan for her in the next life. It’s such a beautiful way to show how she found healing and learned to find joy in the little things, even when the big picture was a mess.

The best part, though? Angelina managed to channel all those raw emotions so flawlessly. She proved she's a seriously talented actress—even if I can't say I was ever a huge fan of hers before this. 🙂

I don't really know what else to say, other than I simply can't bring myself to agree with your take on this movie.

Solid movie—those lesbian scenes were definitely something else

Brenda Cooper3 said:I honestly can't wrap my head around how people manage to find awe in things that lack even a shred of logic or common sense.👎

The movie centers on some spoiled, run-of-the-mill model named Gigi Caringa. I took a look at her photos online—nothing special. Angelina is a hundred times more stunning, and she didn't have to wreck her life with heroin to get there. Plenty of us grew up in broken homes with constant fighting, yet we didn't turn out as infantile as this Caringa woman. I don't doubt Angelina's acting skills for a second, and I certainly don't doubt the validity of the whole situation regarding Gigi’s childish, reckless, and irrational behavior, which caused her to spiral so quickly simply due to her own stupidity.

It's a shame there's always someone around ready to idolize that kind of thing...

Let me ask you all something: what exactly is there to admire in this film specifically regarding the story or the script?

If we set aside Angelina's beauty and her performance—because if you focus on those, you're admiring her talent rather than what she was actually trying to convey through the film!

Ugh, please. People worship Kurt Cobain too, even though he was just a narcissistic junkie and a terrible singer. If a guy is captivated by a movie, why is that even a problem? It seems like everyone is obsessed with junkies, killers, scammers, frauds, and all sorts of other societal trash.

stormystag43 said:Ugh, please. People worship Kurt Cobain too, even though he was just a narcissistic junkie and a terrible singer. If a guy is captivated by a movie, why is that even a problem? It seems like everyone is obsessed with junkies, killers, scammers, frauds, and all sorts of other societal trash.

That simply isn't right. 😳

Her addiction was easily her biggest mistake—and man, did she pay for it. Between the health issues, losing the love of her life, and watching everyone walk away while her dignity just vanished... it was brutal. But hey, even after paying the price for those massive life blunders, she actually found some joy in the little things... right at the very end. Which just goes to show... that's life, I guess! 😉 I’m not impressed by the fact that she struggled with drugs; I’m impressed that she actually clawed her way back and found something positive after being completely wrecked. If she had just died from an overdose without ever turning it around, then the movies and her whole life story would’ve been pointless—then I could've called her just another spoiled rich girl. But this way? She showed the raw reality of both her misery and the happiness she found in the middle of it all... 🙂

Brenda Cooper3 said:That simply isn't right. 😳

Look, I know it's messed up—trust me, I get it—but what are we even supposed to do about it? 🤷

lonelynx44 said:Her addiction was easily her biggest mistake—and man, did she pay for it. Between the health issues, losing the love of her life, and watching everyone walk away while her dignity just vanished... it was brutal. But hey, even after paying the price for those massive life blunders, she actually found some joy in the little things... right at the very end. Which just goes to show... that's life, I guess! 😉 I’m not impressed by the fact that she struggled with drugs; I’m impressed that she actually clawed her way back and found something positive after being completely wrecked. If she had just died from an overdose without ever turning it around, then the movies and her whole life story would’ve been pointless—then I could've called her just another spoiled rich girl. But this way? She showed the raw reality of both her misery and the happiness she found in the middle of it all... 🙂

Haha, sure, we can play along with that fantasy if we want. It’s like when I stub my toe and tell myself, "It's fine, no big deal," just to try and cope—but let's be honest, it still hurts like hell. She isn't some damn superhero. She’s just another wealthy socialite who never learned how to steer her own life because she always had someone there to play nanny for her.

Brenda Cooper3 said:Haha, sure, we can play along with that fantasy if we want. It’s like when I stub my toe and tell myself, "It's fine, no big deal," just to try and cope—but let's be honest, it still hurts like hell. She isn't some damn superhero. She’s just another wealthy socialite who never learned how to steer her own life because she always had someone there to play nanny for her.

There are rumors she was sexually abused by her father as a kid (though the movie doesn't show it), which might explain some of that extreme behavior... who knows? I thought the movie was decent enough, but honestly, the real Gia was much more beautiful than Angelina.

Brenda Cooper3 said:Haha, sure, we can play along with that fantasy if we want. It’s like when I stub my toe and tell myself, "It's fine, no big deal," just to try and cope—but let's be honest, it still hurts like hell. She isn't some damn superhero. She’s just another wealthy socialite who never learned how to steer her own life because she always had someone there to play nanny for her.

Look, I never said she was perfect or some kind of hero... To me, a real hero is someone like Nicole Kidman or Audrey Hepburn—women who have total control over their public image, handle everything flawlessly, and still carry themselves like true ladies... 😉 but Gia... she was fascinating in a different way, because she had this, I don't know, wildly exaggerated version of a totally normal life... 😉 and that's exactly why I dig it. Her story is actually real; it could happen to anyone. We all have our moments of being psychotic, naive, brilliant, or beautiful—we're a mess of all those things at once, usually at least once in our lives... and she was just like that! 😉

And yeah, the whole needing a babysitter thing? True. But hey, it's a flaw she had to deal with her entire life... and did she master it? Probably not, but she learned how to live. 🤷

I love this movie, honestly watched it a bunch of times already.

Angelina absolutely crushed this role, even if I’m not really a fan of her acting style—it feels like she cares way more about looking hot than actually digging into the emotions of the scene.

Since we’re already talking about her, here are some pics just so we can all stare at that face. Personally? I think Angelina is a billion times hotter.

velvetwolf42 said:I love this movie, honestly watched it a bunch of times already.

Angelina absolutely crushed this role, even if I’m not really a fan of her acting style—it feels like she cares way more about looking hot than actually digging into the emotions of the scene.

I have to agree

velvetwolf42 said:Since we’re already talking about her, here are some pics just so we can all stare at that face. Personally? I think Angelina is a billion times hotter.

I suspect that’s exactly why they cast Angelina. Her presence was far more captivating to audiences than anything involving Gigi. Honestly, it feels like Gigi's entire storyline was relegated to the background.
It feels like this movie was made right when Angela was hitting her stride; it served as the perfect springboard for her subsequent career. She simply radiates sex appeal.

Maybe so, but hey—I see the talent! She proved it with this role, even if she slips up sometimes... (not that she’s my absolute favorite actress anyway!) 😉 But if she can carry this movie, she carries it. I mean, she's the lead, right? And besides, if this movie didn't exist, would anyone even be talking about Joe? How would her story even get told? 😉

velvetwolf42 said:Since we’re already talking about her, here are some pics just so we can all stare at that face. Personally? I think Angelina is a billion times hotter.

Look, in my opinion, both are incredibly beautiful in their own way. They both carry that certain rebellious edge... which is probably why they cast Angelina. There isn't even much physical resemblance beyond them both being highly attractive. That actually bothered me a bit (even though it's a great movie). They should have put in more effort... maybe with the hair or the makeup... at least give us something to marvel at🙄. Anything at all😁..

Angelina’s acting is what truly carries this film. If she had been any less convincing, the movie wouldn't be worth much. She interpreted the entire spectrum of emotions—from pure negativity to positive—exceptionally well. Truly compelling👍

It is an undeniable truth that famous addicts or alcoholics are often over-glorified after they pass, and people always find excuses for them. People will excuse anything; one needs to be strong enough to overcome hardships—that is what true glorification looks like to me. But my take is that this film didn't turn Gia into a saint. It provided a realistic depiction of what an addict goes through: rock bottom. And that is exactly what films ought to show. There is no beauty in drugs. None. It simply did harm to an exceptionally successful YOUNG woman. Gia was the first famous woman to die from AIDS. Many consider her the first supermodel. So what if they needed her "title" to promote the film? I don't see anything wrong with casting ANYONE if the goal is to authentically portray horrors like drugs and AIDS..

When I was Googling Joe, it hit me—on certain photos, she actually looks quite a bit like Cindy Crawford.. pretty much🤔