"I was born, and they took a picture," Liza Minnelli says in Bruce David Klein's superb new documentary, "Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story." The star was referring to the pressures that come with growing up in the Hollywood spotlight.
The daughter of film director Vincente Minnelli and showbiz legend Judy Garland, Liza has lived in the public eye almost since birth. As a teenager she performed with her mother, going on to carve out her own unique persona. Liza became a star in her own right, winning four Tony Awards, an Oscar, an Emmy, and two honorary Grammys. She has lived quite a life.
Klein's film begins with the death of Garland, which affected Liza deeply. She and her mother loved each other dearly, though there were some rifts in the silver lining. When the two performed together a few years before Garland's death, Liza brought the house down.
When they performed a duet later in the show, Garland pushed Liza's microphone closer to her face. Viewers of the documentary will get to see footage of this. Apparently, there was some jealousy on Garland's part.
"It wasn't a load of laughs being Judy Garland's daughter," Liza says late in the film, referring to Garland's substance abuse issues and suicide attempts. The film is unflinchingly honest as it deals with this and with Liza's own substance abuse issues.
Klein has made an authorized biography of the star, which he did with Liza's participation. Little is left out as the viewer is introduced to all of the people who mentored her over the years.
Lyricist Fred Ebb, fashion icon Halston, who created Liza's trademark sequin look, director Bob Fosse, who made her a movie star in the film adaptation of "Cabaret, Charles Aznavour (the French Frank Sinatra), and Kay Thompson, who helped build up Liza's confidence during her early years as a performer.
All of these mentors have passed on, but Klein brings them back to life with extraordinary, previously unseen footage and photos. Liza herself recalls each of them with great fondness in newly shot interviews.
Also included in the film is commentary from some of Liza's closest friends, like crooner Michael Feinstein and actress Mia Farrow.
Liza's sometimes turbulent personal life is also discussed. She was married four times and suffered three miscarriages, which is one of the great tragedies of her life as she always wanted a family. Her first marriage was to performer Peter Allen, a marriage that ended when she found Allen in a "compromising position" with another man. Her last marriage was to David Gest, who mistreated her.
Mostly what shines through as the documentary unfolds is Liza's extraordinary talent. She embodies the true definition of a star. When she's on, it's impossible to look away from her. Klein beautifully captures Liza's dazzling stage persona, as well as who she is after she exits the stage. It's a loving portrait, warts and all.
"Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story" is a fitting and compelling tribute to a great star. She is one of the last living stars who embodies all that was magical about Hollywood's Golden Age. This film preserves her life story for all time.
'Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story,' 103 minutes, opens February 28 at the Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St. www.roxie.com
www.zeitgeistfilms.com
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