As a documentary, My Kid Could Paint That showcases the talent and work of 4 year old Marla Olmstead, who's painting have been showcased in numerous art galleries and brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, amid Marla's success, CBS' 60 Minutes did a full hour expose strongly suggesting that Marla's paintings were that of her father, an amateur painter himself. As quickly as the public built Marla up, they tore her down. It took no time for the Olmsteads to be ransacked with hate mail, as the town turned a cold shoulder causing Marla's art dealer to consider moving. Director Amir Bar-Lev and his documentary team seem to be the only way for the family to restore their name and prove to the world that Marla is all that was perceived. However, Bar-Lev becomes torn between his responsibility as a journalist and the wishes of the family and he quickly realizes that this can't end happily for him and them, and could ultimately end badly for the both of them.
My Kid Could Paint That is a somewhat comedic look at the "˜art' of abstract art; however, the film quickly turns emotional and intriguing as the validity of Marla's painting become questionable. The film is fascinating, emotional and most importantly inspirational as it captures your heart and makes you feel for little 4 year-old Marla, doing what she loves and being ridiculed for it.
Throughout the film Director Bar-Lev is able to capture the emotion and pain that arises from a family thrown in and out of the limelight at an accelerated pace, but what truly amazes me is the relations we make throughout the film. By films end we feel for Marla, a four year old painting because she enjoys it, as well as her parents who have been forced to experience an emotional rollercoaster that seems to be nowhere near ending. All three become relatable and you can't help buy sympathize with them.
However, I have to say that the film is a full account and showcases both the good and the bad moments from Marla's tenure on top. From the doubts of CBS and some of Marla's biggest critics to the confrontation that Bar-Lev has with the Olmsteads, the film showcases both the good and bad. But it is the ending that I was most impressed with. Instead of giving us a conclusion to the authenticity of Marla's painting we are presented with evidence. That is it "¦ evidence. Bar-Lev gives us all the information that he was able to capture and ends the film "˜early,' allowing the audience to make up their own mind and decide for themselves. He doesn't shove his own beliefs down our throat, instead he is completely neutral, and in a way unbiased, proving that documentaries can be done from an informative view point.
In the end, the film was great. Though short, it fit the story, not overbearing in characterization or facts, but rather a simple, intriguing narrative. Director Bar-Lev captures the characters and showcases them in both good and bad light allowing the audience to form an opinion on one of the most debated topics of 21st century art.
