Anyone who has witnessed Liza Minnelli perform knows that the love she receives from her audience is her lifeblood, and the love she gives back is just as vital. This mutual affection is the driving force behind Bruce David Klein’s heartfelt documentary, “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story.” The title perfectly captures the essence of a woman who can turn any sentence into a superlative. Minnelli’s infectious laughter, heard throughout the film, is a testament to her resilience despite her struggles and physical frailties.
The documentary begins with a whirlwind montage of magazine covers and clips, accompanied by effusive praise from her fans. Klein doesn’t shy away from adoration, but he also doesn’t gloss over the challenges Minnelli faced. Born into the spotlight, she had to live up to constant comparisons to her mother, Judy Garland, while carving out her own identity. Every failed romance, marriage, and battle with substance abuse became tabloid fodder. Yet, the film is not a hagiography; it’s infused with Minnelli’s generous spirit.
Minnelli’s gratitude extends especially to the five mentors who helped her create a persona so luminous that she’s known simply by her first name. Leading this group is Kay Thompson, the vocal coach and godmother who took Minnelli under her wing after Garland’s death. Thompson’s wisdom, like “Don’t go around with people you don’t like,” shaped Minnelli’s career. Minnelli paid tribute to Thompson in her 2008 Broadway show, “Liza’s at the Palace.” As Jim Caruso, a performer in that production, notes, “Kay the mentor made Liza the superstar possible.”
French chansonnier Charles Aznavour was another key influence, teaching Minnelli to act a song, making every lyric heartfelt. This skill is evident in her performances, especially in “But the World Goes ‘Round” from “New York, New York,” which closes the film with Minnelli singing alongside Michael Feinstein.
Bob Fosse, who directed Minnelli to an Oscar in “Cabaret” and an Emmy for “Liza With a Z,” was also instrumental. Growing up on her parents’ film sets, dance was in her DNA. Fosse brought discipline and focus to her moves, showcasing her to her best advantage. “I’m a director’s daughter,” she says, fluttering her iconic false eyelashes. “I knew how to handle him.”
Fred Ebb, the musical theater lyricist, was a close friend and mentor. Ebb and his partner John Kander cast Minnelli in her first Broadway show, “Flora the Red Menace,” and their work remained central to her career. Ebb’s influence was so profound that Minnelli admits, “I think Fred really invented me. He knew me so deeply.”
Fashion designer Halston was another major force, creating her iconic look for “Liza With a Z” and beyond. Halston’s designs, often sequined to hide sweat on stage, became her signature. He also played a role in her years as a New York nightlife fixture, particularly at Studio 54.
Minnelli’s recollections are selective, focusing on the positives. She insists, “Nobody did drugs. They just didn’t,” despite the well-documented drug use at Studio 54. She also avoids discussing her former husbands and romantic partners, preferring to highlight the enduring friendships that often followed. “Give me a gay break,” she quips when Klein probes into her relationships. Friends note that she threw herself into each relationship with passion, making “Maybe This Time” a fitting anthem.
In the interviews, Minnelli is nervous and shaky but still full of spark. She’s candid and often dictatorial, directing Klein on camera angles and editing. This adds another layer of authenticity to a film already brimming with love.
Longtime fans might miss discussions of her non-musical roles, like “The Sterile Cuckoo,” “Arthur,” or her appearances on “Arrested Development.” The film also overlooks the queer community’s centrality to her fandom, a notable omission given her status as a gay icon.
Despite these minor quibbles, the documentary is a treasure trove of archival material and intimate interviews. It paints a gorgeous portrait of a legendary showbiz survivor, celebrating her career while remaining authentic.
Klein’s direction, combined with outstanding editing by Alexander Goldstein and Jake Keene, brings viewers as close to the magic of Minnelli’s stage shows as possible. While the film may not cover every aspect of her life, it’s a long-overdue and well-deserved tribute to an extraordinary icon.
