Susan Granger’s review of “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” (HBO/Max)
On March 23, 2011, Elizabeth Taylor died. Shortly afterwards, critic colleague Jeffrey Lyons and I were discussing Elizabeth’s life/loves. An obviously naïve, twentysomething film publicist overheard us and inquired: “Who’s Elizabeth Taylor?”
If you remember the screen icon, you may be fascinated by the new documentary “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes.” If not, you might learn something about one of Hollywood’s fabled stars during the Golden Era of filmmaking.
Combining recently discovered audio interviews, along with rare access to film clips in Elizabeth’s personal archives, director Nanette Burstein’s biopic offers candid insights into the challenges she faced and her decision-making process.
Elizabeth Taylor was born in 1932 and made her film debut in “Lassie Come Home” when she was 10. Framed by a double set of eyelashes, her dark blue eyes had an unusual amount of melanin, making them appear violet. Two years later, she starred in “National Velvet,” establishing her place on the M.G.M. roster.
Elizabeth was married eight times to seven men: Richard Burton twice. But the great love-of-her-life was flamboyant “Around the World in 80 Days” producer Mike Todd, who died in a plane crash.
Along with stardom came scandal when she ‘stole’ Debbie Reynolds’ husband Eddie Fisher, who ‘consoled’ her after Mike Todd’s death. She quickly dumped Eddie for Richard Burton, her co-star in “Cleopatra,” for which she became the first star to be paid $1 million.
Apparently, their romance gave birth to ‘paparazzi,’ freelance photographers who relentlessly pursued movie stars to sell their images around the world.
Elizabeth was deeply devoted to Montgomery Clift. Openly homosexual, he became her close confidante, along with other gay men like Roddy McDowall and Rock Hudson, prompting Elizabeth to use her celebrity status to advocate for AIDS research.
“People have a set image they want to believe – either the good or the bad,” she concludes. “If you try to explains, then you lose yourself along the way.”
Additional trivia: in 1987, Elizabeth was the first celebrity to market a fragrance ‘Passion,’ followed by ‘White Diamonds,’ still a popular perfume.
On the Granger Gauge of 1 to 10, “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” is an enlightening 6, streaming on HBO/Max.
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