Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story Review – A Loving Portrait of a Legendary Performer

Liza Minnelli has packed so much into her life already. The daughter of Hollywood icons Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, she was surrounded by show business from the very beginning. With a talent like her mother’s, it was surely destined that Liza would find her way to the spotlight too. But her path was not easy, facing high expectations and private struggles along the way.

Now, audiences can get an inside look at Liza’s journey with the new documentary Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, directed by Bruce David Klein. Through interviews with Liza herself, as well as those who know her best, we learn how she navigated losing her mother at a young age and then battled to make her own name.

We also see rare archival footage of the early years. It’s clear Klein wanted to craft a fitting tribute to this legendary performer by telling her story with empathy, honesty, and care.

With a striking voice and magnetic stage presence, Liza left her mark on film, TV, and Broadway over decades. She won an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony, cementing status as an icon. Yet the documentary reminds us she’s also a resilient woman who faced more personal challenges than most. Liza’s story is one of both professional triumph and private turmoil. Now, through this film, fans old and new are given a memorable look at the woman behind the fame.

Liza’s Boundless Talent

Liza Minnelli’s entry into the world of entertainment came from the day she was born. With legendary talents Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli as parents, live performance just flowed through her veins. While this gifted her with amazing genes, it also left large shoes to fill under the intense spotlight that came with such famous names.

Some of her earliest roles saw Liza flexing her skills on stage, like the Off-Broadway musical she took part in as a teenager. But it was joining her mother on stage in London that truly launched her career into the stratosphere. This 1964 concert alongside Judy was a passing of the torch, yet also highlighted how Liza’s talent was already shining just as bright.

Her breakout role arrived soon after in Cabaret. Opposite Michael York and alongside Joel Grey, Liza brought an intoxicating vitality to troubled Sally Bowles. Her flawless singing and natural dancing abilities, guided by director Bob Fosse, earned Liza an Oscar in 1973. This set a new high bar for her immense skills.

Further big-screen successes followed with films like New York, New York displaying that special Liza alchemy of spirit, soul, and screen presence. Meanwhile, her acclaimed television special Liza with a Z showed the full scope of her talents to an even wider audience. Across decades, honors would keep coming her way, reflecting the profound mark she left on Broadway, Hollywood, and more.

Of course, Liza also dazzled masses with her live performances. Magical shows at Carnegie Hall and other iconic venues let her talents truly shine without limits. Fans were captivated by her raw charisma, command of the stage, and ability to own every note. The stardom was sealed with a Tony, Grammy, Emmy, and even a special Tony honor for her lifetime success.

Through it all, Liza Minnelli remained a virtuoso creative force defined by boundless passion and artistry. Her career highlights prove this musical marvel was always destined for fame.

Guiding Lights

Throughout her journey, Liza Minnelli found inspiration from those who nurtured her extraordinary gifts. The documentary honors several stars who played crucial roles in shaping the icon she became.

First was Kay Thompson, Liza’s Godmother and friend. After Judy’s passing, Kay took the grieving Liza under her wing. She encouraged the young talent, advising her famous quote, “Don’t waste time with dull people.” This guidance helped Liza thrive.

French singer Charles Aznavour also left a strong mark. His teachings on performing every lyric from the heart remarkably improved Liza’s abilities. Audiences see this mastery on full display in her performances.

Renowned choreographer Bob Fosse took Liza’s natural skills to a new level for Cabaret. Though not a precision dancer, he instilled discipline and focus. His direction won her an Oscar and showcased her talents beautifully.

Lyricist Fred Ebb became like family, supporting Liza personally and professionally over many smash productions. His songs with Kander boosted her confidence by steering talks away from her iconic mother. Ebb truly helped Liza find her own legendary voice.

Fashion pioneer Halston also served as an influential guiding light. His eye-catching sequined costumes for Liza With a Z gave her a signature look and brought her star presence to new heights.

Through the caring efforts of these mentors, Liza transformed from a uniquely gifted artist into an international superstar. Their impacts left enduring marks that still resonate in her phenomenal performances today.

Rare Glimpses of a Legend

A real treasure uncovered for this documentary were 25 hours of backstage footage from Liza’s 1970s European tour. Shot by her then husband’s crew, it provides a candid window into an iconic period. We see Liza in rehearsals, interacting with fans and enjoying downtime with loved ones.

Through these grainy but gilded glimpses, we feel transported to share in Liza’s journey. Her talents are on full display as she runs through numbers. The passion and perfectionism shine through, giving new respect for her artistic process. Meanwhile, warmer moments show Liza’s playful charisma and care for her crew.

Of course, this is only a part of the rich storytelling. Frequent interviews with Liza herself allow her reflective voice to guide the narrative. Though the glimmer in her eyes suggests performance remains her joy, sadness from past struggles also creeps through.

She grants fascinating insight but retains an aura of mystique too. So Michael Feinstein helps fill context around her life through his encyclopedic industry knowledge and care for Liza. As a longtime confidant, he offers extra layers the archives couldn’t contain.

Together, the visual archives and interviews weave a vibrant tapestry, offering many doors into Liza’s extraordinary world. They immerse us in her talents, heart, and history in a deeply intimate fashion. Through it all, her spirit dazzles as a reminder of all this icon has given the entertainment cosmos.

Navigating Heartbreak and Hardship

Liza faced her fair share of troubles along the way. Living with the shadow of her mother Judy and relentless comparisons took their toll over time. Her relationships also brought difficulties, as passionate love so often did.

Substance abuse affected many in Liza’s world, and she fell prey too for periods. Admitting past issues showed courage, yet she focused discussions elsewhere. While hard-won wins over addiction deserve praise, privacy seemed most important now.

Multiple miscarriages crushed Liza, feelings splashed publicly by the gossip-hungry press. Despite this, she surrounded herself with love through loyal friends and fans. Though children didn’t come, joy was still found.

Marriages ranged from brief to disastrous, as Liza gave each relationship her all before moving on when the song ended. Precisely because of this passion, breakups hit hard but did not defeat her spark.

With talent and heartbreak alike passed down through famous blood, Liza paid a price for her gifts. Yet whenever doubt crept in, sold-out shows proved a community loved her for who she was, not who she was born as. In them, she found oxygen to weather any storm.

Somehow, despite life’s difficulties, Liza’s zest for living never faded. By facing hardships with courage and grace, she emerged the survivor she remains today—a true star in the best sense of the word.

Liza’s Eternal Mark

Over successive decades, Liza cemented her role as one of entertainment’s true immortal figures. For gay communities in particular, she became the ultimate idol—as much an advocate through subtle statements as any activist.

Beyond identity too, her passionate artistry left a defining impression. Liza transformed expectations of what star performers could achieve, be, and withstand. Through triumph and tempest, her performances stirred hearts in a way unmatched by any peers.

Audiences continued filling venues many decades on, proving her timeless allure. In her senior years, Liza accepts awards for decades of moving spirits. Yet she remains most happy on stages, generously sharing glimpses of brilliance that first captivated all those years ago.

Liza now embodies the rarest air—a name equated with talent, glamour, and soul. Both behind the curtains and within them, she impacted countless dreams. Even today, her spirit lives on in youth, discovering that special Minnelli magic for the first time.

In the careers she inspired, the indelible films and shows, and the memories of fans who line streets just to get a glimpse, Liza’s mark cannot be overstated. Hers is a legacy that illuminated cultural eras and continues to uplifting all who encounter her enduring gifts. For that, she remains a true artist and hero to cherish always.

The Eternal Liza

With Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, fans get a treat exploring the journey of a singular artist. Director Klein creates a fitting tribute through rare footage, interviews, and magical performances that transport us through her triumphs and trials.

While touching on career achievements, relationships, and influencers, the film profoundly captures Liza’s spirit—resilient, generous, and truly devoted to her craft. Even with past struggles, she remained joyful, funny, and energized by live connections with audiences.

Of course, one film can’t contain all of Liza’s rich tapestry. Her boundary-pushing roles, musicals, and fashion sensibility deserve deeper discussion. Further insights from colleagues and more on her father’s impact would enrich future tellings.

Overall, Klein hit the mark by keeping focus on Liza’s voice. Fans leave with renewed respect for how she navigated spotlight pressures while following her heart. Even after all these years, her fire continues inspiring all who experience it.

In the end, Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story delivers on its title, paying affectionate tribute to an enduring star who still shines as brightly as ever.

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