The Extraordinary Sadness of Audrey Hepburn Revealed in New Documentary

Audrey Hepburn, the beloved Hollywood star, was known for her elegance and grace, but behind her public image was a deep sadness.

In a new documentary titled “Audrey,” filmmaker Helena Coan explores Hepburn's life and reveals the traumas she experienced, including the impact of her parents' divorce when she was just six years old.

Hepburn candidly discusses her father's abandonment and how it left her feeling insecure for life.

She recalls her mother's tears and her own inability, as a child, to fully comprehend the situation.

Despite her fame and success, Hepburn carried these personal problems with her until her death in 1993.

Coan, who spent three years researching and editing the film, was struck by the stark contrast between Hepburn's public image and her private struggles.

The documentary delves into Hepburn's insecurities about her looks and relationships with men, linking them to her relationship with her father and her deep sense of abandonment.

The film takes viewers through key moments in Hepburn's life, from her experiences of starvation during the war to her pursuit of a career as a ballet dancer in London.

It also explores her rise to stardom with films like “Roman Holiday,” “Sabrina,” and “Breakfast at Tiffany's,” using archive footage and insights from friends and family to provide a behind-the-scenes look.

One of the film's revelations is the impact of Hepburn's two difficult marriages.

Her first husband, Mel Ferrer, was described as a difficult and demanding man.

Despite an initially happy relationship, they eventually divorced after 14 years.

Hepburn's search for her father, whom she had lost contact with for 25 years, also plays a significant role in the documentary.

The experience of reconnecting with him left her bitter and hurt.

In 1969, Hepburn married Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti and had a second son, Luca, after experiencing a series of miscarriages.

However, the marriage was plagued by Dotti's infidelity, with photographs of him with numerous other women.

The couple eventually divorced in 1980.

Throughout her life, Hepburn was aware of the power of her celebrity and used it to influence fashion and engage in humanitarian work.

Coan highlights how Hepburn's passion for humanitarian efforts became a source of solace and allowed her to give back the love she felt she had been lacking.

The documentary paints a complex picture of Audrey Hepburn, showcasing her public facade of elegance and beauty while also revealing the depths of her sadness and pain.

It offers a new perspective on one of Hollywood's most enduring stars and provides insight into the personal struggles she faced throughout her life.

“Audrey” will be available for download on November 30th on major digital platforms.