Today's Versus article will cover two new documentaries centered on classic Hollywood actresses both released on Max. We've got "Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes" being stacked up against "Faye". The categories that these two will be judged on are about the same as the previous Versus article: visual presentation, audio quality, and narrative content.
Round 1: Presentation
Both films feel about the same in their respective arenas. Each documentary has plenty of vintage stills and photographs alongside high definition clips of films starring the subjects in question. "Elizabeth Taylor" obviously relies mostly on clips showing a newly rediscovered tape recording alongside plenty of archival footage and interviews. This is clearly due to Elizabeth Taylor having passed away back in 2011.
"Faye" conversely shows off older footage and interviews as well as new interviews with Faye Dunaway herself on her life story and what she's experienced with her work and personal life. You also get interview segments from her son alongside admirers such as Sharon Stone and other journalists. Both films have some fuzzy visual quality with some of the film clips provided, especially in comparison to the high definition ones provided.
For all we know though, that's most likely all they had access to since those clips haven't been properly restored yet. In hindsight, I noticed more interviews and more fresh footage present in "Faye". In theory, that would mean that "Faye" would have the upper hand in terms of its overall production value. But the visuals in the films starring Elizabeth Taylor, most notably "National Velvet", were more visually striking on their own. That's why I feel presentation wise, both films even each other out in a way.
Round 1 Winner: DRAW
Round 2: Audio
This round will be surprisingly interesting. "Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes" was made primarily because of a recently discovered tape interview between Taylor and a journalist from the 1960's that was considered lost. Given this background, you'd think that it'd be at a disadvantage in comparison to "Faye". You also might assume that because the films with Elizabeth Taylor are older that the sound quality would somehow give it an additional disadvantage. On both accounts, you'd be wrong.
"Faye" has solid audio quality across the board both with its vintage clips and contemporary interviews. But "Elizabeth Taylor" holds its own on the audio front, even better than initially expected. The audio quality of the tapes is as such that you wouldn't have guessed that they were lost somewhere for a certain period of time. Seeing that this is an HBO documentary, you get more freedom and access to more adult content and dialogue out of Taylor than you'd get anywhere else.
You also still unearth some engaging stories in "Faye", but the vulgarity and frankness may not be quite as noticeable as it is in "The Lost Tapes". The outcome in this round as a result is similar to Round 1 in that both documentaries hold their own fairly equally. Given the sources of the clips provided, each film provides smooth editing across the board. I can't in good conscience pick one over the other for that reason alone.
Round 2 Winner: DRAW
Round 3: Narrative
It's pretty self explanatory that each of these documentaries basically covers each of the life stories of its respective stars. "The Lost Tapes" looks at Elizabeth Taylor's career and the roller coaster of a love life she's had throughout the years. "Faye" follows Faye Dunaway's career in Hollywood and details the commitment she puts into her roles. While her love life may not be the roller coaster that Taylor's was, it does also show her commitment to motherhood and how her children basically return the favor at one point.
Each documentary did teach me something new about each actress that I've yet to learn on my own already. For example, the near death illness Taylor experienced when filming "Cleopatra" (1963), a production that was notoriously plagued by trouble. One of Taylor's marriages to the producer of "Around the World in 80 Days" (1956) basically ending tragically through no fault of either side. Both films don't hesitate in showing the imperfections of each actress. "Faye" specifically outright addresses how difficult Faye Dunaway was to work with.
They even show a late night clip with Bette Davis of all people admitting that she wouldn't want to work with Faye Dunaway again. This is the same person who developed a savage rivalry with Joan Crawford. Imagine the irony then with Dunaway herself playing Joan Crawford in "Mommie Dearest" (1981). This film goes into detail over that film's mysterious impact on Dunaway's career. Both documentaries provide noteworthy historical goodies for fans of each actress. Is this the makings of another tie, you ask?
Actually, there is a legitimate winner in this category, even though both documentaries are worth a look over. "Faye" is fine for what it is. I would be lying however if I said that it wasn’t self-indulgent at times with congratulating its subject on her career accomplishments a little too often. It can come off as a little pretentious to some viewers just becoming acquainted with Dunaway for the first time. I will also admit that I did dose off a time or two and needed to take a nap before resuming.
To be fair, it's not the film's fault. I had a busy morning prior to putting "Faye" on and needed to temporarily regain my energy before going any further. With "Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes", I had no such issue on that front. It was consistently engaging the whole way through. I got a better sense of who this actress was and the loyalty she had to her true friends, specifically Roddy McDowell and Rock Hudson among others. With segments along the lines of her researching and curing AIDS, I had an idea of what she stood for and what she valued.
I appreciate being able to understand her vulnerability. Her love life is complicated, but you get the sense that she cared. Her overwhelming fame would prove difficult to lead a quiet life, especially after capturing Eddie Fisher's heart. Her actions would have consequences with the public, but she stayed true to what she believed in. "The Lost Tapes" is a rock solid documentary that focuses on what it needs to in a way that respects the subject and the audience.
Round 3 Winner: Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes
After further reflection, both documentaries will give you what you'd want or expect from celebrity biographies. It is "The Lost Tapes" for me that gets my overall vote because it felt more well rounded and less biased. I personally found it a bit more welcoming to newcomers who've never heard of these people prior. "Faye" was worth a single viewing, but "The Lost Tapes" has more of a surprise in store for viewers.
Final Verdict:
Elizabeth Taylor: The LostTapes: 8.5/10
Faye: 7/10
WINNER: ELIZABETH TAYLOR: THE LOST TAPES
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