On August 1, free streaming service Crackle will air an episode of A Life in Ten Pictures, dedicated to the Cleopatra star that will unlock stories of her extraordinary life by interpreting ten pictures taken over the span of her lifetime—from iconic shots to private snaps. “This is a woman who was in control of herself, of her power,” says Joan Collins, herself a screen goddess and TV star from Dynasty. Taylor’s rise to fame came during an era when movie studios very much controlled the images of their stars. A Life in Ten Pictures will examine some of those iconic shots, but also study private snapshots. Both the professional and personal photos will illustrate defining moments from Taylor’s extraordinary life. “This is the Elizabeth Taylor that the studio wanted us to see, and that’s maybe Elizabeth Taylor a little bit more as she was,” says Helen O’Hara, film journalist. “Absolutely ‘do not mess with me’ energy.” In addition, William J. Mann, biographer, says, looking at a photo, “Elizabeth claimed the power out of this. She said, ‘This is the moment I knew I could present myself to the world in a way that I want to present myself to the world.’” A Life in Ten Pictures episodes for Freddie Mercury and Tupac Shakur are currently streaming on Crackle, and coming up, in addition to Taylor, will be new episodes revealing the lives and secrets boxer Muhammad Ali (Sept. 1), musician and activist John Lennon (Oct. 1), and singer Amy Winehouse (Nov. 1), through the unique lens of those who know their stories best. Next, Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79
