One of the most anticipated documentaries premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival this year is about Liza Minnelli. The daughter of legend Judy Garland, Minnelli has forged a successful career of her own. The documentary by Bruce David Klein titled Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story shares the tale of her life and career through interviews and previously unseen footage.
An Illuminating Portrait
The film opens with a dizzying montage of magazine covers and clips accompanied by a stream of gushy praise from prominent fans. Klein doesn’t shy away from adoration, but he also doesn’t gloss over the challenges Minnelli faced, from living up to lifelong comparisons with her mother to navigating alcoholism and substance abuse.
Iconic Mentors
The documentary pays special acknowledgment to five mentors crucial to Minnelli’s development. Kay Thompson, her vocal coach and godmother, is described as taking Liza under her wing after Garland’s funeral. Fred Ebb, who partnered with John Kander, cast Minnelli in her first Broadway show, Flora the Red Menace, and their work remained an integral part of her career.
No less instrumental were French chansonnier Charles Aznavour, who taught her how to act a song from the heart, and Halston, whose costume designs became essential to her signature look. Their collaborations are fondly remembered in the film.
Unforgettable Collaborations
Liza’s performance in ‘Cabaret’ was a pinnacle in her career. Directed by Bob Fosse, this modern musical masterpiece remains relevant today. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring their professional relationship and how Fosse brought discipline and focus to her performance.
A Touch of Personal Life
The documentary also briefly touches on her personal life, including performing with her mother Judy Garland at the London Palladium in 1964. Although comparisons to Garland often made Minnelli insecure, she emerged strongly on her own merits. This aspect shows how far she’s come in crafting a unique identity in showbiz.
Friends like Michael Feinstein discuss how Minnelli maintained authenticity despite facing numerous challenges. There’s also some insight into her never having children but creating a supportive network around herself.
A Legendary Showbiz Survivor
The documentary might leave some longtime admirers wanting more discussion on her non-musical roles or addressing the queer community central to her fandom. Nevertheless, Klein’s film, with its wealth of archival material and insider interviews, builds a gorgeous portrait of Liza as a legendary showbiz survivor—warmly celebratory yet unquestionably authentic.
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