I am a huge fan of Liza Minnelli and saw this yesterday. A friend saw it last summer at the Tribeca film festival and told me I'd love it. But I had read a few reviews that noted Klein did not spend any significant time on Liza's films other than Cabaret. As a fan who loved her in other films such as The Sterile Cuckoo, Arthur, Stepping Out and especially New York, New York, I went in somewhat dubious.
No worries. The aforementioned films are acknowledged in one way or the other, and it becomes obvious that the filmmaker's approach is not going to be of the traditional "and then she did this and then she did that" variety.
A lot of material is covered in a fast paced 104 minutes and Klein leaves you wanting more. The film opens with a brilliant sequence detailing Judy Garland's death pre-title card and from then on I knew Klein needed no advice from me.
There are electrifying goosebumps galore, particularly at the too-soon end (you will know what I mean).
There is a lot of backstage stuff I'd never seen. The movie is quite funny, sometimes wickedly so. There's a sly dig at Lorna Luft (blink and you might miss it) that made me laugh out loud. Liza herself semi-narrates and is interviewed on screen (to great, often touching effect).
This is a doc that plays like a conventional movie and is accessible to anyone, not just her fans. Broadway buffs will devour it and I hope it receives the Oscar next year. Even though that's a dicey category at AMPAS, I can't imagine this dazzlingly edited, supremely entertaining romp not getting at least a nomination. It's the classy tribute Minnelli has long deserved and she must be over the moon with just how damn good it is.
Minnelli has often said she has an eye for picking the right people for the right job when it comes to her work. Well, she's done it again with Bruce David Klein.
This sparkling sleeper is a masterpiece. My friend was right. I did love it and can't wait to see it again. In a theatre, which it deserves.
It's a flick that will make you happy, and it has entered the world at exactly the right time.
