After having broadcast the documentary dedicated to Faye Dunaway, Cannes Classics continues his tribute to the great figures of cinema by presenting that dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor: Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes/ Elizabeth Taylor: lost recordings written and produced by Nanette Burstein.
Thanks to privileged access to the personal archives of Elizabeth Taylor and seventy hours of recently discovered intimate recordings, Nanette Burstein, already acclaimed in Cannes for The Kid Stays in the picturegives us an unprecedented and moving portrait of the Hollywood icon. This documentary, which made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, lifts the veil on an Elizabeth Taylor very different from the public image and often stereotypical.
The film, mainly narrated by Elizabeth herself, mixes personal photos, family films and extracts from her most memorable roles to weave an intimate and poignant story. From her childhood under the spotlight to her timeless heritage, spectators discover a complex woman who has gone through her public life with remarkable grace and force. Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes is not just a simple summary of his extraordinary life; It is a deep exploration of its challenges, its triumphs and its lasting impact on cinema and society.
While the film on Faye Dunaway mainly focused on his dazzling careerthe one on Taylor offers an intimate dive in his personal and love life, areas that have always captured the media. This documentary reveals unknown aspects of the existence of the star, offering a portrait as complete as it is fascinating of this eternal icon.
The documentary traces his life since his beginnings as a child star under contract with the MGM, illustrating the rigors of a youth spent on filming sets, between long days of shooting and courses given in the studios. This strict childhood has shaped its rapid transition to adulthood. With her own words, Elizabeth tells her journey: her friends, her first roles and her sage child transformation to a daring actress. By getting older, she rebelled against stereotypical roles, looking for more complex characters. Its performance in Giant (1956) alongside James Dean and Rock Hudson marks a turning point, followed by emblematic roles like that of Cleopatra.
Elizabeth Taylor was also known to be the best paid actress of her time, arousing admiration and sometimes jealousy, even among her partners. Richard Burton, his great love and a tumultuous companion, even expressed his astonishment in the face of the staggering wages of Taylor, including the $ 1 million for Cleopatra (1963), against its $ 300,000.
The tumultuous love life of Taylor, marked by eight marriages – including two with Richard Burton – is also a central point of the film. The documentary explores this facet with nuance, revealing how his relationships reflected and challenged the social norms of his time. His connection with Burton, when they were both married, caused a resounding scandal. Puritan America of the time condemned her, her own father going so far as to deal with her “trail”. This film is not content to relate these episodes; He places them in the context of a changing society, offering a reflection on fame and public morality.
.jpeg)
The documentary does not stop there and also explores sincere friendships who have marked the life of Taylor, relationships often overshadowed by his tumultuous but just as significant and precious love stories. He also highlights his humanitarian commitment, in particular his pioneering role in research against AIDS. Deeply affected by the loss of many close friends because of this disease, Elisabeth Taylor has devoted a large part of her life and his resources to the fight against AIDS, becoming one of the figures of the movement and founding the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation.
By immersing ourselves in the life of Elizabeth Taylor through her own recordings, Nanette Burstein offers an unprecedented perspective on a cinema legend. “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes”, presented worldwide at Cannes Classics, invites spectators to rediscover a woman who has constantly challenged expectations and left an indelible imprint on the world of cinema. More than just a documentary, it is a celebration of the complexity and the resilience of a real icon.
This documentary represents a rare opportunity to penetrate the intimacy of a star whose life has often been overshadowed by his cinematographic successes and media scandals. He highlights a human, vulnerable and incredibly strong Elizabeth Taylor, a woman who has managed her weaknesses into a source of power and inspiration. The lost recordings, unveiled here, are an invaluable treasure that brings us closer to a legend whose aura continues to shine.
Neïla Driss
