Amazon.com

There's a reason why Cindy Crawford was dubbed "Baby Gia" when she first hit the modeling scene. Indeed, Crawford, now the world's best-known supermodel, greatly resembled model Gia Carangi, who went from high school to the cover of British Vogue in less than two years. Carangi appeared on many more covers of Vogue (French, British, Italian, and American) and Cosmopolitan before dying of complications from AIDS (she was an IV heroin user) in 1986. Now most people recognize Carangi's name from this powerful HBO film that stars Golden Globe-winner Angelina Jolie, who comes by her talent honestly. Jolie is the daughter of veteran actor Jon Voight, and her own training as a model serves her well--she has the moves. Throughout, she's heartbreaking--as no doubt the real Carangi was--effective, and stunning.

With good source material (Stephen Fried's A Thing of Beauty: The Tragedy of Supermodel Gia), Jolie's stunning performance, and strong directing by Michael Cristofer, the movie goes beyond the merely sensational. The script was cowritten by Cristofer and novelist Jay McInerney, whose Bright Lights, Big City covers similar territory. As a cautionary tale, Gia works. But to watch Jolie in her character's tragic self-destruction is utterly compelling. --N.F. Mendoza ... Read more

Reviews (197)

Powerful film based on a powerful personality!
I have to imagine that the toughest films to pull off are the ones on the verge of cliche-dom; a familiar premise that still manages to flawlessly hook you. 'Gia' covers much trodden ground. By now, it's a natural stereotype- the model who blows her looks, her career and her youthful optimism on drugs.

If the premise is so well known, how did 'Gia' avoid the E True Hollywood Movie trap? Angelina Jolie was simply too convincing, the directing was simply too unique and the script was too crafty. This film avoided the averageness of countless other 'drug films' simply by painting a mosaic so raw, that you couldn't help but love, hate, cringe at and root for Gia at the same time. The film, while letting you glimpse into the insecurities and motivations of our tragic hero, consistently pushed her just out of reach so as to keep us puzzled and curious. All said and done, though, Jolie and the gang have created a flawless work of tragic art.

The only reason not to give it 5 stars is that as most movies based on life stories, it is a bit anti-climactic and unbalanced. With most plots, the writers are at liberty to create an upward story with a clear climax and this film simply didn't have it. It slid up and down, high and low, mirroring Gia's confusion. Although it didn't detract from the film's emotion- believe me, it still comes through- it just left the film feeling a bit muddled.

two terrific performances
I am also a big fan of Angelina Jolie and try to see every film she is in. I am so glad that her career is really going like gangbusters. But I like Gia primarily because it introduced me to the incredible Elizabeth Mitchell. I agree with the other reviewers that Elizabeth was overlooked for her touching performance as Linda. I bought the unrated version in the hopes that more scenes featuring Elizabeth would be included. The interaction between Angelina and Elizabeth is what makes the movie interesting for me and is the reason I still watch the film. I do wish that the film had dealt more with their relationship, how they interacted on a daily basis, but I understand that the filmmakers had a lot of territory to cover. I would recommend the film for both these talented actresses performances. And for those of you interested in other projects that Elizabeth is featured in, check out the films Frequency, Molly and Nurse Betty.

Hello, Baby
Gia is a knockout, daring film. It tells the true story of the rise and fall of 80's supermodel Gia Carrangi. Many reviewers have said they never heard of Gia until the movie. In the cruel fashion world, Gia was forgotten as fast as she became famous. Not one person from the fashion industry attended her funeral. The man who wrote the book on which this film was based also coined the term 'fashionista' for his book. The word has since become a staple in the English language.

Angelina Jolie was made for this role; she deserved the awards and recognition she received for it. If this film had been made for theaters rather than HBO, she should have won an Oscar.

In Gia, Gia/Jolie is the sun, and all the other characters revolve around her. From her inauspicious beginnings in New York City to her photo shoots all over the world, Gia desperately seeks that which she was denied as a child - love. The tragedy is that once she finally finds love, Gia is so scarred emotionally and from drugs, that she is unable to accept it. Mercedes Ruel gives a masterful, subtle performance as Gia's self-centered mother who abandoned her daughter when she was 11.

The drugs, glamor, and glitz of the 80's fashion world are portrayed in both gritty and glamorous fashion. One of the most striking scenes is when Gia is dressed for a photo shoot as a geisha in a red dress. This scene is so riveting and well done I watched it a dozen times. She is standing in a gritty alley with red paper lanterns hanging over the concrete. The whole scene is surreal, and is a great portrayal of Gia's life and of the 80's.

Jolie keeps nothing inside for this performance. She is naked, both physically and emotionally. And the jazz soundtrack is captivating and mesmerizing. In fact, I am seeking to purchase just the soundtrack.

Here's what you probably want to know...
1. You want to buy it, so get the unrated version, rather
than the 'R' rated one, cos it has more nudity.
2. Angelina Jolie is a total knock-out in this film.
3. Yes, she does get naked - quite a bit in fact.
4. Yes, there's a 'scene' with another girl.
5. There's one stand out line in this film from Angelina: "'I gotta go', 'I gotta go'. Where the #### does everyone go when they've gotta go?"
6. Great movie, you will definitely want this if you're a fan.

The best movie I ever seen...
This movie is so strong,and as i watched i felt like I was there,like I knew the characters,and it will make you cry,such a sad story.I have seen the movie a few times and each time it breaks my heart.Angelina Jolie is an amazing actress. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There's a reason why Cindy Crawford was dubbed "Baby Gia" when she first hit the modeling scene. Indeed, Crawford, now the world's best-known supermodel, greatly resembled model Gia Carangi, who went from high school to the cover of British Vogue in less than two years. Carangi appeared on many more covers of Vogue (French, British, Italian, and American) and Cosmopolitan before dying of complications from AIDs (she was an IV heroin user) in 1986. Now most people recognize Carangi's name from this powerful HBO film that stars Golden Globe-winner Angelina Jolie, who comes by her talent honestly. Jolie is the daughter of veteran actor Jon Voight, and her own training as a model serves her well--she has the moves. Throughout, she's heartbreaking--as no doubt the real Carangi was--effective, and stunning.

With good source material (Stephen Fried's A Thing of Beauty: The Tragedy of Supermodel Gia), Jolie's stunning performance, and strong directing by Michael Cristofer, the movie goes beyond the merely sensational. The script was cowritten by Cristofer and novelist Jay McInerney, whose Bright Lights, Big City covers similar territory. As a cautionary tale, Gia works. But to watch Jolie in her character's tragic self-destruction is utterly compelling. --N.F. Mendoza ... Read more

Reviews (197)

Powerful film based on a powerful personality!
I have to imagine that the toughest films to pull off are the ones on the verge of cliche-dom; a familiar premise that still manages to flawlessly hook you. 'Gia' covers much trodden ground. By now, it's a natural stereotype- the model who blows her looks, her career and her youthful optimism on drugs.

If the premise is so well known, how did 'Gia' avoid the E True Hollywood Movie trap? Angelina Jolie was simply too convincing, the directing was simply too unique and the script was too crafty. This film avoided the averageness of countless other 'drug films' simply by painting a mosaic so raw, that you couldn't help but love, hate, cringe at and root for Gia at the same time. The film, while letting you glimpse into the insecurities and motivations of our tragic hero, consistently pushed her just out of reach so as to keep us puzzled and curious. All said and done, though, Jolie and the gang have created a flawless work of tragic art.

The only reason not to give it 5 stars is that as most movies based on life stories, it is a bit anti-climactic and unbalanced. With most plots, the writers are at liberty to create an upward story with a clear climax and this film simply didn't have it. It slid up and down, high and low, mirroring Gia's confusion. Although it didn't detract from the film's emotion- believe me, it still comes through- it just left the film feeling a bit muddled.

two terrific performances
I am also a big fan of Angelina Jolie and try to see every film she is in. I am so glad that her career is really going like gangbusters. But I like Gia primarily because it introduced me to the incredible Elizabeth Mitchell. I agree with the other reviewers that Elizabeth was overlooked for her touching performance as Linda. I bought the unrated version in the hopes that more scenes featuring Elizabeth would be included. The interaction between Angelina and Elizabeth is what makes the movie interesting for me and is the reason I still watch the film. I do wish that the film had dealt more with their relationship, how they interacted on a daily basis, but I understand that the filmmakers had a lot of territory to cover. I would recommend the film for both these talented actresses performances. And for those of you interested in other projects that Elizabeth is featured in, check out the films Frequency, Molly and Nurse Betty.

Hello, Baby
Gia is a knockout, daring film. It tells the true story of the rise and fall of 80's supermodel Gia Carrangi. Many reviewers have said they never heard of Gia until the movie. In the cruel fashion world, Gia was forgotten as fast as she became famous. Not one person from the fashion industry attended her funeral. The man who wrote the book on which this film was based also coined the term 'fashionista' for his book. The word has since become a staple in the English language.

Angelina Jolie was made for this role; she deserved the awards and recognition she received for it. If this film had been made for theaters rather than HBO, she should have won an Oscar.

In Gia, Gia/Jolie is the sun, and all the other characters revolve around her. From her inauspicious beginnings in New York City to her photo shoots all over the world, Gia desperately seeks that which she was denied as a child - love. The tragedy is that once she finally finds love, Gia is so scarred emotionally and from drugs, that she is unable to accept it. Mercedes Ruel gives a masterful, subtle performance as Gia's self-centered mother who abandoned her daughter when she was 11.

The drugs, glamor, and glitz of the 80's fashion world are portrayed in both gritty and glamorous fashion. One of the most striking scenes is when Gia is dressed for a photo shoot as a geisha in a red dress. This scene is so riveting and well done I watched it a dozen times. She is standing in a gritty alley with red paper lanterns hanging over the concrete. The whole scene is surreal, and is a great portrayal of Gia's life and of the 80's.

Jolie keeps nothing inside for this performance. She is naked, both physically and emotionally. And the jazz soundtrack is captivating and mesmerizing. In fact, I am seeking to purchase just the soundtrack.

Here's what you probably want to know...
1. You want to buy it, so get the unrated version, rather
than the 'R' rated one, cos it has more nudity.
2. Angelina Jolie is a total knock-out in this film.
3. Yes, she does get naked - quite a bit in fact.
4. Yes, there's a 'scene' with another girl.
5. There's one stand out line in this film from Angelina: "'I gotta go', 'I gotta go'. Where the #### does everyone go when they've gotta go?"
6. Great movie, you will definitely want this if you're a fan.

The best movie I ever seen...
This movie is so strong,and as i watched i felt like I was there,like I knew the characters,and it will make you cry,such a sad story.I have seen the movie a few times and each time it breaks my heart.Angelina Jolie is an amazing actress. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There's a reason why Cindy Crawford was dubbed "Baby Gia" when she first hit the modeling scene. Indeed, Crawford, now the world's best-known supermodel, greatly resembled model Gia Carangi, who went from high school to the cover of British Vogue in less than two years. Carangi appeared on many more covers of Vogue (French, British, Italian, and American) and Cosmopolitan before dying of complications from AIDs (she was an IV heroin user) in 1986. Now most people recognize Carangi's name from this powerful HBO film that stars Golden Globe-winner Angelina Jolie, who comes by her talent honestly. Jolie is the daughter of veteran actor Jon Voight, and her own training as a model serves her well--she has the moves. Throughout, she's heartbreaking--as no doubt the real Carangi was--effective, and stunning.

With good source material (Stephen Fried's A Thing of Beauty: The Tragedy of Supermodel Gia), Jolie's stunning performance, and strong directing by Michael Cristofer, the movie goes beyond the merely sensational. The script was cowritten by Cristofer and novelist Jay McInerney, whose Bright Lights, Big City covers similar territory. As a cautionary tale, Gia works. But to watch Jolie in her character's tragic self-destruction is utterly compelling. --N.F. Mendoza ... Read more

Reviews (197)

Powerful film based on a powerful personality!
I have to imagine that the toughest films to pull off are the ones on the verge of cliche-dom; a familiar premise that still manages to flawlessly hook you. 'Gia' covers much trodden ground. By now, it's a natural stereotype- the model who blows her looks, her career and her youthful optimism on drugs.

If the premise is so well known, how did 'Gia' avoid the E True Hollywood Movie trap? Angelina Jolie was simply too convincing, the directing was simply too unique and the script was too crafty. This film avoided the averageness of countless other 'drug films' simply by painting a mosaic so raw, that you couldn't help but love, hate, cringe at and root for Gia at the same time. The film, while letting you glimpse into the insecurities and motivations of our tragic hero, consistently pushed her just out of reach so as to keep us puzzled and curious. All said and done, though, Jolie and the gang have created a flawless work of tragic art.

The only reason not to give it 5 stars is that as most movies based on life stories, it is a bit anti-climactic and unbalanced. With most plots, the writers are at liberty to create an upward story with a clear climax and this film simply didn't have it. It slid up and down, high and low, mirroring Gia's confusion. Although it didn't detract from the film's emotion- believe me, it still comes through- it just left the film feeling a bit muddled.

two terrific performances
I am also a big fan of Angelina Jolie and try to see every film she is in. I am so glad that her career is really going like gangbusters. But I like Gia primarily because it introduced me to the incredible Elizabeth Mitchell. I agree with the other reviewers that Elizabeth was overlooked for her touching performance as Linda. I bought the unrated version in the hopes that more scenes featuring Elizabeth would be included. The interaction between Angelina and Elizabeth is what makes the movie interesting for me and is the reason I still watch the film. I do wish that the film had dealt more with their relationship, how they interacted on a daily basis, but I understand that the filmmakers had a lot of territory to cover. I would recommend the film for both these talented actresses performances. And for those of you interested in other projects that Elizabeth is featured in, check out the films Frequency, Molly and Nurse Betty.

Hello, Baby
Gia is a knockout, daring film. It tells the true story of the rise and fall of 80's supermodel Gia Carrangi. Many reviewers have said they never heard of Gia until the movie. In the cruel fashion world, Gia was forgotten as fast as she became famous. Not one person from the fashion industry attended her funeral. The man who wrote the book on which this film was based also coined the term 'fashionista' for his book. The word has since become a staple in the English language.

Angelina Jolie was made for this role; she deserved the awards and recognition she received for it. If this film had been made for theaters rather than HBO, she should have won an Oscar.

In Gia, Gia/Jolie is the sun, and all the other characters revolve around her. From her inauspicious beginnings in New York City to her photo shoots all over the world, Gia desperately seeks that which she was denied as a child - love. The tragedy is that once she finally finds love, Gia is so scarred emotionally and from drugs, that she is unable to accept it. Mercedes Ruel gives a masterful, subtle performance as Gia's self-centered mother who abandoned her daughter when she was 11.

The drugs, glamor, and glitz of the 80's fashion world are portrayed in both gritty and glamorous fashion. One of the most striking scenes is when Gia is dressed for a photo shoot as a geisha in a red dress. This scene is so riveting and well done I watched it a dozen times. She is standing in a gritty alley with red paper lanterns hanging over the concrete. The whole scene is surreal, and is a great portrayal of Gia's life and of the 80's.

Jolie keeps nothing inside for this performance. She is naked, both physically and emotionally. And the jazz soundtrack is captivating and mesmerizing. In fact, I am seeking to purchase just the soundtrack.

Here's what you probably want to know...
1. You want to buy it, so get the unrated version, rather
than the 'R' rated one, cos it has more nudity.
2. Angelina Jolie is a total knock-out in this film.
3. Yes, she does get naked - quite a bit in fact.
4. Yes, there's a 'scene' with another girl.
5. There's one stand out line in this film from Angelina: "'I gotta go', 'I gotta go'. Where the #### does everyone go when they've gotta go?"
6. Great movie, you will definitely want this if you're a fan.

The best movie I ever seen...
This movie is so strong,and as i watched i felt like I was there,like I knew the characters,and it will make you cry,such a sad story.I have seen the movie a few times and each time it breaks my heart.Angelina Jolie is an amazing actress. ... Read more