The premiere of the documentary Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story in it Tribeca Film Festival 2024 has revealed a series of unpublished data and shows a broader panorama of the life and career of the legendary actress and singer Liza Minnelli. Through the director’s lens Bruce David Kleinthe film builds a detailed and moving portrait of the famous celebrity, and the ups and downs he experienced on and off the stage.
Minnelli, recognized for her role in the musical film Cabaret, established a significant mark on art. She is one of the few celebrities with EGOT status, enshrined with an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. However, her personal life took her through lonely and stormy terrain.
Through the documentary, Liza remembers one of the most painful moments she had to endure: the death of her mother, Judy Garland. The actress of The Wizard of Oz He was dealing with addiction at the time and it was an accidental overdose in 1969 that took his life. At the time, Minnelli was only 23 years old and was inconsolable for a long time. “I couldn’t stop crying for eight days. It was devastating for me.” he recalled of the loss.
Another personal aspect that Minnelli addresses candidly is her frustrated desire to be a mother. Over the course of her four marriages, she suffered three miscarriages and was never able to have children of her own. However, she carried that love to her relatives and became a very loving aunt and godmother.
On a professional level, there is a curious fact about the most important character of his career. Minnelli initially missed the opportunity to be Sally Bowles when Cabaret came to Broadway in 1966.
A new door opened when the musical began to be adapted to film and she remembers that she “fought” to be in the film. The actress mentioned that director Bob Fosse consulted her about the possibility of appearing topless, and although she refused, they still gave her the leading role.
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, It also highlights Minnelli’s long friendship with Mia Farrow, star of Rosemary’s baby, who offers a detailed testimony in the film. The two met in childhood and their bond was strengthened over the years by the frequency with which they met at industry events.
Liza Minnelli He did not attend the premiere of the documentary in New York, but sent a message through his social networks. “Thanks to my loves in Tribeca for the screening of Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, which I made as a gift for my family, friends and fans,” he said. He also expressed that the film is a testimony of her life and work, full of “moving, funny and magical” moments.
From Paris, he explained the reason for his absence and also pointed his darts at the constant attention of the press and tabloids. “My sister Lorna Luft and I decided that we couldn’t, We were not supposed to, nor did we want to be in the audience to see a tribute about me”, he wrote and reaffirmed his vitality and creativity at 78 years old.
“I continue loving, living and creating. Despite what the tabloids say, I’m living on my own terms with a tight circle of people I adore.”, he pointed out.
