Faye Dunaway, the enigmatic and iconic actress known for her iconic roles in films like “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Chinatown,” is the subject of a new HBO documentary that delves into the highs and lows of her legendary career. But rather than being a saccharine, starry-eyed tribute to her enduring talent, the film “Faye Dunaway: Looking for Faye” is a refreshingly candid and unflinching look at the complex and often tumultuous life of a Hollywood legend.

Directed by Gaylene Gould, the documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year and offers a no-holds-barred exploration of Dunaway’s private struggles, her intense relationships with her collaborators, and her notorious reputation for being a demanding and difficult actress. Don’t expect a flattering or deferential portrayal of the actress, however: “This isn’t a vanity piece,” Dunaway warns during an interview in the film.

The documentary is a testament to Dunaway’s unapologetic and unflinching willingness to confront her own demons and the controversies that have surrounded her throughout her career. At times, the film is downright brutal, as Dunaway recounts her tumultuous relationships with her co-stars, directors, and even her own family members. Her reputation for being difficult to work with has been well-documented, and the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the ways in which her ego and insecurity have driven her behavior at times.

But “Faye Dunaway: Looking for Faye” is also a deeply nuanced and loving portrait of an actress who has been mistreated by the industry and the public for far too long. Throughout the film, Gould seamlessly balances the darker aspects of Dunaway’s personality with her evident intelligence, wit, and artistic passion. We see glimpses of the actress’s early days as a rising star, her iconic performances on screen and stage, and her enduring legacy as a style icon and a symbol of Hollywood glamour.

One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is the way it challenges the conventional narrative of Dunaway’s life and career. Rather than focusing solely on her triumphant roles and accolades, the film highlights the struggles and setbacks she has faced, from her tumultuous relationship with Lee Marvin, her co-star and lover on “Chinatown,” to her struggles with addiction and depression.

Throughout the film, Dunaway speaks candidly and with a remarkable degree of self-awareness about her own flaws and mistakes, offering a glimpse into the inner life of an actress who has always been fiercely guarded and private. “I’ve been a bit of a diva, I’ll admit,” she says at one point, with a wry smile. “But I’ve always been pushing myself to be the best I can be.”

If “Faye Dunaway: Looking for Faye” is a testament to the actress’s unwavering commitment to her craft, it is also a powerful reminder of the ways in which the entertainment industry can be both exhilarating and toxic. The film is a moving and unflinching look at the highs and lows of a life lived in the public eye, and a testament to the enduring power and complexity of Faye Dunaway, an actress who remains an enigma and an icon to this day.