Elizabeth Taylor: A life beyond the spotlight
Elizabeth Taylor, a name synonymous with Hollywood glamour, was more than just a screen legend. Her life, marked by eight marriages, numerous affairs, and a penchant for extravagant jewelry, was a constant source of fascination for tabloids and paparazzi. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour, there was a different Elizabeth—witty, wounded, and desperate to prove herself. This lesser-known side of Taylor is the focus of the new HBO documentary, “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes”.
Unveiling the hidden tapes
Director Nanette Burstein was given a unique opportunity to delve into Taylor’s inner world when the Taylor Estate granted her access to 40 hours of unreleased audio from interviews conducted in the 1960s. These tapes, recorded by journalist Richard Meryman, offer a rare glimpse into the private thoughts of one of cinema’s most revered figures.
“It’s extremely rare to have a legendary movie star be so candid about their inner life,” Burstein notes. ”It was an opportunity to not only understand this revered person in cinema history but also to chart the arc of the women’s movement and the way that female roles started to shift in the 1950s and ’60s.”
From child star to Hollywood icon
Taylor’s journey in Hollywood began at a young age. She first captured hearts as a 12-year-old jockey in National Velvet and quickly transitioned into more mature roles. Films like Conspirator and Father of the Bride showcased her talent, even as a teenager. However, the promotional material for a 16-year-old Taylor, which focused heavily on her looks, has not aged well.
“She was being discussed as a sexpot before she was even 18 years old,” Burstein points out. “They even give her measurements and her weight.”
The tumultuous love life
Taylor’s off-screen relationships were as dramatic as her on-screen roles. Her marriage to producer Mike Todd was a union of equals, but it ended tragically when Todd died in a plane crash. Taylor considered Todd the great love of her life.
“My theory is that it would have endured,” Burstein reflects. “He was the best match for her. I think they would have made a lot of movies together and in a healthy way, because some of the ways that she made movies with Richard Burton were not so healthy.”
Her relationship with Richard Burton was intense and co-dependent, marked by a whirlwind of passion and a torrent of booze. Despite the chaos, their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, leading to iconic performances in films like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.
A legacy of advocacy
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Taylor’s most enduring legacy may be her work advocating for AIDS awareness. Her friendships with gay men like Roddy MacDowall, Montgomery Clift, and Rock Hudson, whose death brought attention to the disease, gave her a personal connection to the cause. Taylor was one of the first celebrities to use her platform to push for more AIDS research, leveraging her fame to raise money and awareness.
“AIDS was seen as this ‘homosexual disease’ and nobody wanted to do anything about it,” Burstein explains. “It enraged her that no one would talk about it. So she thought, ‘Well, I have this fame. It’s always been a toxic part of my life, but why don’t I use it to do amazing things?’ And she did. In her mind, that was her greatest achievement.”
Reflecting on Taylor’s impact
Elizabeth Taylor’s life was a tapestry of triumphs and tribulations, both on and off the screen. Her candid reflections, captured in the lost tapes, offer a deeper understanding of a woman who was much more than a Hollywood icon. Taylor’s journey from a child star to a passionate advocate for AIDS research is a testament to her resilience and enduring impact.
For those who wish to explore more about Taylor’s life and legacy, the documentary “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” provides an intimate look at the woman behind the legend. Her story is a reminder that even the most glamorous lives are filled with complexities and challenges, and it is in overcoming these that true greatness is found.