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Review: In the generous ‘Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story,’ a support network takes a bow

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In today’s age, where focus often shifts towards ring lights rather than stage lights, there is a tendency to undervalue the versatile “performer,” the individual who effortlessly illuminates both small rooms and vast arenas with their raw talent, unbridled passion, and mesmerizing charisma. Not everyone can claim the title of an artist, but those who earn genuine adoration from their audience truly embody the spirit of a performer – the kind that leaves you in awe. At 78 years old, EGOT legend Liza Minnelli might be one of the few remaining examples of this rare breed.

To create a compelling documentary about Minnelli’s endeavor to astonish theater audiences, cinema-goers, and television viewers with her divine gifts, one would require a strong disinterest in the glamour of showbusiness. Luckily, filmmaker Bruce David Klein strikes the perfect balance between admiration and objectivity in the heartwarming, captivating biographical documentary “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story.

Throughout the film, Minnelli is seen on camera, laughing, reminiscing, singing, and showing energy. However, these newly filmed segments are not the main focus of Klein’s story. Instead of creating a traditional biography that can be limited by timeline, he cleverly presents her story as a star-studded review showcasing her rise to fame. He emphasizes that Minnelli’s eventual stardom, achieved despite her mother’s shadow, was a result of collaboration with many nurturing mentors – admirers and friends who recognized her undeniable talents.

In a remarkable fashion, Kay Thompson served as both a mother figure and confidante to her mentees. Charles Aznavour instructed her in the art of song-performance, Bob Fosse refined her dancing style, Fred Ebb found inspiration for his lyrics from her, and she was a source of fashion inspiration for Halston. Although they are no longer with us, their legacy lives on here through archival materials and insights from lifelong friend Michael Feinstein. This collection offers a unique glimpse into the emotional support provided backstage in the cutthroat world of show business during the ’60s and beyond. Lena Horne was an ideal talent for the emerging era, effortlessly conveying both strength and vulnerability through her striking legs, long lashes, and emotionally charged vocals.

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Being Judy Garland’s daughter might earn you a glance, even a hint of jealousy from your mother, but it’s a decade that takes someone from being a teenage Tony (“Flora the Red Menace”) to a 20-something Oscar (“Cabaret”) and Emmy (for the remarkable special “Liza With a Z”) to becoming a cover model, happens when you’re working tirelessly. The chapter headings of the movie, however, borrow phrases from significant moments in Minnelli’s life, which are reminiscent of the overly sentimental titles found in quick self-help books: “Avoid Spending Time with People You Dislike” and “Everything Doesn’t Need to be a National Anthem.

In this world of clever evasion, she skillfully utilized denial as a potent means to success on the high-speed track to victory. Her struggles with childhood, relationships, addictions, and loss were subtly veiled behind a velvet curtain, offering glimpses but never revealing too much depth. Yet, these hidden trials also made her an icon of honesty, as well as a radiant figure, much like the sequins she wore that masked her perspiration. Her close friendship with Thompson provided a shield for her grief after her mother’s passing, while Fosse’s choreography brilliantly distracted from her scoliosis.

Despite the turbulent ride of a well-known “It girl” as portrayed in her dramatic highs and lows, and amidst the captivating narrative that “Liza” skillfully unfolds, there’s a reassuring message: the genuine affection and regard shown by friends and acquaintances past and present – Feinstein, Ben Vereen, Mia Farrow, John Kander, Darren Criss – towards her, as evident in their on-camera conversations. Essentially, “Liza” implies that these individuals embody the true essence of an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) in life.

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2025-01-31 04:01

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