Liza Minnelli documentary celebrates her enduring charm

Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story captures the life, persona, and triumphs of the legendary Liza Minnelli.

Close-up of American actress Liza Minnelli smoking a cigarette on the set of 'A Matter of Time,' directed by Vincente Minnelli, in Rome, Italy, 1976. Photo by Ian Cook/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Widya Lestari

Minnelli, a name synonymous with Hollywood glamour and Broadway brilliance, takes center stage in the affectionate new documentary Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story. Written and directed by Bruce David Klein, the film offers an intimate look at Minnelli’s life, celebrating her undeniable charisma, remarkable achievements, and enduring charm. Anchored by archival footage and heartfelt interviews, this documentary is a fitting tribute to a performer who has long been adored by fans and peers alike.

The subtitle of the documentary—“A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story”—is a reflection of Minnelli herself: exuberant, extravagant, and unapologetically theatrical. The phrase recalls her glitzy, Emmy-winning 1972 concert special, Liza With a 'Z', where Minnelli once exclaimed it with the energy that has come to define her career. That television special, aired shortly after her Oscar-winning role in Cabaret, marked the pinnacle of her stardom, cementing her place as a Hollywood icon.

Despite her undeniable talent and charisma, Minnelli’s career trajectory was not without its challenges. Unlike her contemporaries Barbra Streisand and Cher, who built legacies on both film and music, Minnelli’s film career saw limited success after Cabaret. While her role as Sally Bowles in the 1972 film remains iconic, subsequent projects struggled to achieve similar acclaim. Even her musical career lacked a defining hit, with the theme song from New York, New York—initially hers—becoming more associated with Frank Sinatra.

However, Minnelli’s career was never defined by conventional metrics of success. Her true achievement lies in her persona: an electric presence that transcended mediums. It is this essence that Klein’s documentary captures, presenting Minnelli as a performer whose charm and flamboyance remain unmatched.

The documentary skillfully combines home movies, performance footage, and personal interviews to paint a vivid portrait of Minnelli’s life. Klein’s access to archival material offers revealing glimpses of the star, both onstage and off. In one poignant moment, Minnelli is seen reflecting quietly in the back of a car, her expression tinged with melancholy. Moments later, she transforms, radiating energy and warmth as she declares herself “terrific.” These contrasts encapsulate the duality of Minnelli: a woman of immense talent and resilience who, despite personal struggles, never failed to dazzle her audience.

Klein also delves into Minnelli’s most iconic role as Sally Bowles, a character she seemed destined to play. The bubbly, eager-to-please Sally was a perfect match for Minnelli’s own vivacious spirit. Yet, as the documentary shows, Minnelli’s life was far more complex than her onstage persona suggested.

In exploring Minnelli’s journey, Klein takes a unique approach by breaking her down into components, each shaped by key figures in her life. Her larger-than-life presence, for instance, was influenced by her godmother, Kay Thompson, the multi-talented author of the Eloise series. French singer Charles Aznavour inspired Minnelli’s emotionally charged performances, while fashion designer Halston ensured she looked effortlessly glamorous, designing costumes that masked the physical toll of her high-energy performances.

Klein’s documentary also highlights the collaborative nature of Minnelli’s career. Fred Ebb, the lyricist behind Cabaret and New York, New York, played a significant role in crafting her stage persona, scripting much of the seemingly spontaneous banter in Liza With a 'Z.' Ebb once told her, “You’re a figment of my imagination,” underscoring the idea that Minnelli’s public persona was as much a creation as it was a reflection of her true self.

While the documentary celebrates Minnelli’s accomplishments, it does not shy away from her struggles. Klein touches on her battles with addiction, her failed marriages, and the personal losses that shaped her life. Minnelli’s candor about these challenges adds depth to the narrative. She speaks openly about her decision to seek treatment for alcoholism in 1984, a time when such admissions were rare.

Minnelli’s personal life was also marked by heartbreak. Her first marriage to Peter Allen ended in betrayal, and she suffered multiple miscarriages, never realizing her dream of becoming a mother. These disappointments, while briefly addressed, hint at the deeper emotional struggles that Minnelli has faced throughout her life.

Despite these challenges, the documentary resists reducing Minnelli to a tragic figure. Instead, it frames her story as one of resilience and reinvention. Her ability to rise above adversity and continue performing with unrelenting passion is a testament to her indomitable spirit.

While Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story succeeds in capturing Minnelli’s charm and talent, it leaves certain aspects of her life unexplored. Klein avoids delving too deeply into her marriages or her relationship with her mother, Judy Garland, perhaps out of respect for Minnelli’s privacy. Similarly, the documentary offers little insight into her current health or the challenges she faces in her later years.

Notably absent are interviews with key collaborators like Martin Scorsese, who directed Minnelli in New York, New York and could have provided valuable insight into her artistry. These omissions, while understandable, leave viewers craving a more comprehensive exploration of Minnelli’s life and legacy.

Liza Minnelli featured in "Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story." © by Atlas Media Corp.

At its core, Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story is a celebration of Liza Minnelli’s enduring legacy. The documentary captures the essence of a performer who, despite personal and professional setbacks, remains an icon of Hollywood glamour and Broadway brilliance.

Minnelli’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Klein’s film, though imperfect, succeeds in honoring her contributions to entertainment and her impact on audiences worldwide.

As the documentary concludes, it is clear that Liza Minnelli is more than just a performer; she is a cultural touchstone, a symbol of perseverance, and a beacon of joy. Her life may be a mix of triumphs and trials, but her legacy is nothing short of terrific.

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