Watch Ava Gardner: Life Is Bigger Than The Movies

Premiered in 2017, Ava Gardner: Life Is Bigger Than The Movies, is a biographical documentary that follows the life of the legendary American actress Ava Lavinia Gardner. Directed by Olivier Minne and produced by ARTE France, the film features interviews with close friends, family, and colleagues of Ava Gardner. The documentary gives an intricate insight into the personal and professional life of the actress, known for her beauty, enigmatic persona, and distinct Southern accent.

The movie depicts Ava's humble beginnings in Grabtown, North Carolina, to becoming one of the biggest movie stars of her time. The documentary portrays Gardner's early life struggles, and her journey to Hollywood, where she achieved superstardom. Ava's beauty, talent, and allure attracted the attention of leading men in movies like Clark Gable, Gregory Peck, and Burt Lancaster. Her talent and beauty are rightly celebrated in the film.

Ava Gardner's life was not just about her movie career; her relationships off-screen were also a significant part of her story. The film portrays her tumultuous love life and marriages. Ava was known for her high-profile marriages to some of the biggest names in show business. Her marriage to Mickey Rooney gave her a taste of the glamorous life in Hollywood, but it was to Frank Sinatra that she lost her heart. Among other famous husbands that followed were Artie Shaw and crooner, Bing Crosby. Her free-spiritedness and independence were evident in her relationships and personal life, which set her apart from many Hollywood women of her time. The documentary offers an intimate look into her private life and the dynamics of her relationships.

The movie also addresses the challenges Gardner faced in the film industry. Despite her fame, Ava Gardner often struggled to find roles that challenged her acting skills. She fought against typecasting and racism in Hollywood, and her ballsy attitude served as an inspiration to many women in the industry. The film showcases instances where Ava Gardner stood up against sexism and unfair treatment in the industry.

Nicole Calfan's portrayal of Ava Gardner's voice and stories is impeccable. Her narration shapes the film's narrative, and the way she delivers Ava's words is mesmerizing. Moreover, the documentary includes archival footage of her interviews, movie scenes, and photographs, which transport the audience back to the golden era of Hollywood.

What’s unique about Ava Gardner: Life Is Bigger Than The Movies is that it shows a different side to Ava Gardner. Rather than portraying her as a one-dimensional Hollywood film star, it explores her personality, vulnerabilities, and insecurities. The documentary unearths the gritty persona beneath the glamourous exterior, juxtaposing the larger than life character of Ava Gardner with the woman behind the public image.

In conclusion, Ava Gardner: Life Is Bigger Than The Movies is an excellent portrayal of the career and personal life of one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses. Through the striking visuals, candid interviews, and captivating storytelling, the documentary captures the essence of Ava Gardner, an enigmatic superstar who lived life her way. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves classic Hollywood movies or wants to know more about one of the most iconic women in film history.

Ava Gardner: Life Is Bigger Than The Movies is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.