Film — August 2024

“Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” Garners Critical Acclaim

The release of Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes on HBO has sparked widespread acclaim for its fresh and intimate look at the life of a Hollywood icon. Directed by Nanette Burstein, this documentary draws from 40 hours of never-before-heard interviews to reveal the candid and multifaceted nature of Elizabeth Taylor. Critics have praised the film for its depth and insight, with major publications highlighting its unique impact. 

“In “The Lost Tapes,” Taylor plays her supreme role: herself.” - The New Yorker

The New Yorker hails Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes as a documentary that masterfully simplifies Elizabeth’s complex life story into a powerful narrative. It emphasizes the use of Elizabeth’s voice, paired with a carefully chosen selection of archival footage, to draw attention to the disconnect between her private identity and public image, offering a profound look into the impact of the studio system on her life and career. 

"That was the scandalous romance of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. We tend to think of that saga as, simply, the apotheosis of celebrity gossip. Yet as it plays out in Nanette Burstein’s luscious and enveloping documentary “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes,” we see how this love story was bigger than that. It was mythological.” - Variety

Variety praises the documentary for its immersive storytelling and for going beyond the usual celebrity biography. It acknowledges how Elizabeth’s life, specifically her dramatic relationship with Richard Burton, mirrors the major cultural shifts of the 1960s and describes Elizabeth’s voice in the recordings as incredibly expressive, giving audiences a close-up look at both her personal and professional struggles. Variety also praises the film for skillfully blending her public persona with her private experiences, presenting her as both an influential figure of her era and a timeless icon.

"Why do I find Elizabeth Taylor so fascinating?" - Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times offers a personal reflection on the lasting allure of Elizabeth Taylor, praising The Lost Tapes as an "elegant little documentary" that captures the complexity of who she was behind the stardom. The review highlights Elizabeth’s natural acting brilliance, particularly in The Taming of the Shrew and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. The Times describes the recordings as offering a "fly-on-the-wall informality" that took a nuanced, humanizing view of Elizabeth.

"It’s a chronicle of a moment when everything changed, and a sobering reminder that we often think we know who public figures are, but we rarely really understand. - The New York Times

The New York Times provides an intriguing analysis of how Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes contextualizes the evolution of celebrity culture. The review notes that while Elizabeth’s life and career have been extensively documented, this film offers a new dimension by focusing on her own reflections gathered in the newly discovered tapes. 

“The documentary “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” that recently premiered on HBO is notable for being told through Taylor’s own words, but hers is a life that can also be told through love—and through jewelry.” - Town and Country

Town and Country underscores Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes by focusing on the significance of Elizabeth's jewelry. The article calls the documentary a "love letter" to her life, with her jewels serving as a glittering timeline of her strength and beauty. It emphasizes Elizabeth's cherished pieces, like the Cartier rubies and diamond ring from Richard Burton, and the landmark Christie's auction as a defining moment. The review also features insights from Christie’s specialist Claibourne Poindexter, who describes the auction as "the greatest I have ever attended." Read more about Elizabeth Taylor’s Love Affair with Jewelry.

The positive reception of Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes reaffirms Elizabeth Taylor's enduring legacy as a cinematic and cultural icon. We at House of Taylor are thrilled to see such thoughtful engagement with Elizabeth's story and encourage everyone to stream Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes on HBO or Max.