It was a matter of time for some documentarian like Bruce David Klein to throw the spotlight on Miss Liza and he's smart enough to do it while she is still coherent and has memories. As a result, this is a captivating look at a Hollywood legend regardless of whether you like her or not. Back in the day, there was nobody hotter.
Klein got lots of home movie footage from the star and, as a result, you get a truly inside look...warts and all. From stardom to Oscar to Emmy to Tony to five different husbands (most of them gay), you see and hear it all. Vintage clips of Liza performing add to the enjoyment. Like her mother, there was no voice more recognizable.
The warts you get are from the Studio 54 years where liquor and pills overcame Liza. To her credit, she cleaned up her act at Betty Ford. But, before that, there were likely times where Liza was a real bitch to deal with. I can remember a good friend of mine who was producing a TV talk show and Liza was a guest. Production was held up for seven hours so they could sober her up.
On that day, life was a Cabernet.
The alcohol and drug usage is mentioned, but not focused on. And there are really interesting talking heads like Michael Feinstein, John Kander, and Lorna Luft. Sure, the film is more of a love letter than an expose. But, it's a perfect glimpse of a true superstar. And we are certainly running out of them fast.
LEN'S RATING: Three-and-a-half stars.
Dinner last night: Cheese and crackers.
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