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The Kid Stays in the Picture
(2002) USA Films, 1 hr. 33 mins.
Starring:
Robert Evans, Ali MacGraw, Dustin Hoffman, Phyllis George, Paul Newman
Directed by:
Brett Morgen and Nanette Burstein |
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To say that '70's hotshot movie
producer Robert Evans had somewhat of a colorful topsy-turvy life would
indeed be the understatement of the century. Well, Evans gets the
opportunity to tell his own fascinating tale in the exuberant and crafty
documentary "The Kid Stays in the Picture". Other than the obvious
self-serving notion of having Evans regale the audience with his own
glorious forum of trials and tribulations through narration, this probing
showcase takes advantage of the former Hollywood honcho's noteworthy
recollections and insights. Consequently, this makes for a refreshingly
honest and inspired narrative.
Directors Brett Morgen and Nanette Burstein are savvy enough to let the
viewer hear most of the anecdotal observations from the actual source for
who this absorbing exploration is based upon. And Evans doesn't miss a
step by obliging us accordingly. If anything, "The Kid Stays in the
Picture" is a lively and perceptive autobiography about the survival of a
star-seeking stud that stumbled upon the unbelievable fortunes and
inevitable frailties of an unassuming fantasy-based factory known as
Tinseltown.
The rise and fall of Robert Evans has all the hurdles of a raw, juicy
prime time soap opera: the glitz and glamour, drug addiction, big time
money-making ventures, desirable starlets being held onto like prized
possessions, adultery and divorce, shady studio politics, emotional
desperation, etc. You name it and Evans can paint you one complicated yet
provocative portrait. If anything, Evans nor the filmmakers behind this
devilishly sparkling project aren't afraid to hold back and expose the
shady goings-on of this disreputable universe known as Hollywood.
The storybook prominence of Evans could be wrapped up on one tabloid page
because his mark in Movieland seemed so fleetingly brief. Through a
freakish happenstance, his luck emerged when actress Norma Shearer
discovered the tan good-looking heartthrob sunbathing at a hotel swimming
pool. Before one could blink an eye, Evans became an instant matinee idol
in the '50's. But his suspect acting abilities gave way to an inevitable
short-term movie career on the big screen. It didn't take long for Evans
to reinvent himself as a producer.
Always the one to be in the right place at the right time, the
opportunistic movie maker-and-shaker instinctively took over the faltering
operation known as Paramount Pictures. Through sheer fortitude and a
balance of fortunate circumstances, Evans was able to turn around the
newly purchased studio by welcoming a series of incredible films that
would change the course of filmmaking in the resurgence of seventies'
cinema. Studio fare such as "Rosemary's Baby"," Love Story", "Chinatown",
and "The Godfather" films would eventually deem Evans a major force to be
reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
As the good old adage goes, sooner or later the cookie will crumble.
Before the movie mogul could realize it, his triumphs were about to turn
into instant tragedy. His ideal marriage to then movie maven Ali MacGraw
faded off when she decided to chase after hunky action star Steve McQueen.
And then the swinging playboy simply lost himself in a morass of
self-destructive behavior by mingling in the deadly combination of drugs
and dames.
"The Kid Stays in the Picture" is adapted from Evans' 1994 autobiography.
This is an absolutely mouth-watering account of a man whose fragile ego
could be shattered with a mere paper clip. Make no bones about it--Evans
is no choirboy and despite his suave exterior, here lies a vulnerable man
whose interior was saturated with severe trepidation. Evans has assumed
many roles in his animated existence, not including his quick stint as a
Hollywood hopeful-turned-has been.
Whether looked upon as an irresistible rogue or misunderstood manipulator
by his friends and associates, one thing is abundantly clear--Evans is
certainly one of the last of his kind who roamed around the vintage halls
of Hollywood and dabbled about as if it were his own perverse playground.
This kid certainly stayed in the picture and was resilient enough to stick
around and witness the rolling ending credits of his own tantalizing
production. |
