CHICAGO (WLS) — “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story” is a fascinating documentary that’s already getting rave reviews.
It can be seen Wednesday night at an exclusive Chicago showing.
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Director Bruce David Klein talked about making a movie featuring showbiz sensation Liza Minnelli.
“According to Klein, the admiration for Liza Minnelli goes beyond superficial reasons such as liking her songs or enjoying her acting talent. People genuinely feel waves of love for her,” Klein said.
He said he was always fascinated with Minnelli.
“Even though ‘Cabaret’ was released when I was quite young, I can recall the somewhat scandalous nature of the poster,” Klein reminisced. “In the 1980s, I saw ‘Arthur’ and was struck by her exceptional comedic skills.”
He said, as the spotlight came on and Minnelli walked out, she did one of her famous moves.
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“During one performance, the audience’s reaction was unprecedented. Not only did they give her a standing ovation, but some audience members went as far as standing on chairs at the Broadway Theater, visibly moved to tears, including grown men and women,” Klein recalled. “What sets Liza apart is her background: born with a head start due to her illustrious parents – her mother, a renowned performer of the 20th century, and her father, a distinguished director. The big question was whether she could match her mother’s singing prowess.”
Klein said she has a very human vulnerability at the same time.
“She has this superpower of talent. And that combination makes you just want to hug her. You just want to love her and hear what she has to say and listen to her song,” he said.
Klein said he hopes viewers have a takeaway from the movie.
“I would love if people come away with an appreciation of raw, explosive talent. She is a true artist at her heart,” he said.
“Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story” is part of Chicago’s acclaimed Doc10 festival. It has an exclusive screening at the Davis Theater at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The director will have a virtual question and answer with the audience. The film will be shown in theaters later this season.
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