“A vivid and resonant documentary gaze into the multi-faceted complexities of the sometimes-unguarded Liza Minnelli.”

Liza.

There is no need to explain who she is or why she’s known by one name.

Why?

Her multifaceted nature as an individual and performing artist shines in ‘Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story,’ an exceptionally authentic yet complex film written, produced, and directed by Bruce David Klein. Klein skillfully crafts a cinematic love letter to the actress and singer, who continues to cherish the gift of living a good life even as she begins to slow down. He has divided the documentary into nine segments featuring statements from various individuals (the late Chita Rivera, Mia Farrow, Michael Feinstein, and Joel Grey, are just a few) who have helped shape Liza into the legend she is today from her tumultuous, vulnerable, and unguarded early adulthood years.

How is she a legend? Well, the private Liza can hold her intent gaze as she converses with you and makes you feel you are of tremendous importance in the conversation. Liza, the entertainer, can also induce an eyebrow-raising gesture of laughter and amusement as she does when she drops an ‘F’ bomb at one point. She also raises her voice rather loudly to grab the attention of one of the crew members. But she’s the daughter of one of the world’s finest film directors. Liza can garner a crew member's attention, regardless of how she approaches it.

No argument from me.

Liza’s earned that title of legend and is entitled to the accolades that come along with it.

Klein’s documentary is particularly noteworthy because Minnelli forged her path independent of her parents’ influence. Throughout the seventies and eighties, the actress and singer faced personal and health struggles, beginning with her mother’s death in June 1969. Snippets of the rising Minnelli are carefully woven together with purpose, showcasing how her rise to legendary stardom in the US and overseas (that understanding of ‘stardom’ does not exist here in Canada).

Three influential figures helped shape the unique ‘Liza’—the resilient ‘Liza’ who always bounces back. They were her godmother, Kay Thompson (who took charge at Judy’s funeral), French singer Charles Aznavour (who taught Liza how to interpret a song and let the words speak for themselves), and director Bob Fosse (who taught the young, gangly teen from the Ed Sullivan Show how to stay focused in movement and dance).

Why see Klein’s film?

For those interested in the waning days of the Golden Age of Entertainment, Liza Minnelli remains one of the last connections to a time when attending movies, theatre performances, or concerts enabled us to truly engage with stories—whether conveyed through dialogue or song. Liza knows she has lived a good life through her struggles and difficulties. She had no hesitation in allowing us to see that personal side of her.

The first statement of the film, often attributed to Oscar Wilde, defines who Liza truly is: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”

Perhaps we, the audience, also need to follow this advice.

‘Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story’ will be screened at Toronto’s Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Avenue, on February 8, 9, and 11. I just looked at the website: https://revuecinema.ca/films/ and some other films also deserve a look-see if you can.

ZEITGEIST FILMS IN ASSOCIATION WITH KINO LORBER presents
a Moving Playful Doc on Legendary Showbiz Icon Liza Minnelli

LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY
Written, Produced and Directed by: Bruce David Klein
Produced by: Alexander J. Goldstein
Produced by: Robert Rich
Co-Producer: Dana Craig
Co-Producers: Tom D’Angora, Manny Klausner, Willette Klausner
Executive Producer: Dori Berinstein
Line Producers: Sheila Cabano, Abby Strauss
Additional Line Producer: Donna Ferry
Associate Producers: Nelda Yaw Buckman, Drew Desky, Dane Levens, Alan Seales
Directors of Photography: Axel Baumann, Wolfgang Held
Editors: Jake Keene, Alexander J. Goldstein

Running time: 104 min
HD | 16:9 | Stereo 5.1 | English