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Unveiling the legends: Faye Dunaway and Elizabeth Taylor in recent documentaries
A shared spotlight on HBO
Two recent documentaries, “Faye” and “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes”, have captivated audiences on HBO. While “Faye” premiered in July, “Elizabeth Taylor” is set to debut on August 3. These films delve into the lives of two iconic, Oscar-winning actresses: Faye Dunaway, known for her roles in “Network” and “Chinatown,” and Elizabeth Taylor, a figure whose fame transcended the silver screen.
The double yearning of stardom
Both documentaries explore a poignant and sometimes painful double yearning. Dunaway, still with us at 83, and Taylor, who passed away in 2011, express doubt, anxiety, and even shame over career missteps and personal struggles that played out in the public eye. This vulnerability makes them relatable, yet their expressions of emotion are grand and almost otherworldly. The films also evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when the culture could produce actresses who were not just talented but also glittering stars.
A treasure trove of film clips
Director Laurent Bouzereau’s “Faye” is rich with film clips that showcase Dunaway’s unique style. At her best, Dunaway uses a controlled performance to shock the viewer when she finally lets go. The famous photograph of her the morning after winning her Oscar, where she gazes into the middle distance, exemplifies her power. In interviews, Dunaway’s erudition and quickness reveal how much of herself she poured into roles like the brilliant executive in “Network” or the femme fatale in “Chinatown.” Her interview for the documentary feels like an unburdening of thoughts she had previously withheld.
Elizabeth Taylor’s timeless shrewdness
Filmmaker Nanette Burstein’s “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” presents Taylor as a figure of self-deprecation and shrewdness, qualities that feel ahead of her time. Taylor was only 32 when she played the fiftysomething Martha in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” and her physical transformation is impressive. However, it’s her willingness to flaunt her signs of age with ironic self-deprecation that stands out.
Watch the trailer for “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes”
The weight of public scrutiny
Both actresses are startlingly open about their career and personal setbacks. Dunaway discusses her bipolar diagnosis and struggles with alcohol, which affected her ability to trust her clear and precise thinking. These issues also contributed to her reputation as a difficult colleague. The documentary delves into why “Mommie Dearest,” a film that derailed her career, was such a severe disappointment for her. Dunaway believed she was finding something sharp and true in her portrayal of Joan Crawford but lost her way due to a lack of directorial guidance.
Taylor, on the other hand, speaks candidly about her dislike for “Butterfield 8,” a film for which she won her first Oscar, and the dramas of filming “Cleopatra” with Richard Burton. Taylor and Burton, two stars of exaggerated appetites and talents, faced frustrations despite their fame. Taylor’s performance of herself as someone increasingly willing to display her frustration with the press is a testament to her acting prowess.
The genius of media performance
“Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” methodically constructs a case for Taylor as a genius both on screen and in her media interactions. Dunaway, who revealed as little as possible, and Taylor, who gave it all away with a knowing wink, existed in a media climate that was both rougher and more predictable than today’s. This climate was cruel and heartbreaking but also made legends.
Reflections on legacy
Dunaway and Taylor’s era of stardom is a thing of the past, and that’s largely a good thing. However, watching these documentaries can make one nostalgic for a time when stars were larger than life. Dunaway reflects on the impact of her work, while Taylor leveraged her fame for charitable pursuits, particularly in the fight against AIDS. In a memorable clip, Taylor explains her motivation for fundraising: “It so angered me that I thought, ‘Bitch, do something yourself!'”
A new era of stardom
Today’s media landscape is different, and we no longer make stars like Dunaway and Taylor. Yet, for all the compelling new actors, these documentaries remind us of a time when stardom was something truly extraordinary.
“Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” premieres on HBO and Max on August 3; “Faye” is streaming on Max.
