The Kid Definitely Stays In The Picture
The Kid Stays In The Picture
Rated R * Now Playing
Kent's grade: A
Carol's grade: B+
SYNOPSIS:
Legendary movie producer Robert Evans' career is brought to the silver screen in this
adaptation of his tell-all 1994 autobiography. A series of twists and turns in his life eventually
lead from a stalled career as a B-list actor, to the exalted position of V.P. in charge of
production at Paramount Studios. There, he's given six months to revive the studio ranked
last.
During his tenure from 1966 to 1974, Evans produced great films like "The Godfather,"
"Rosemary's Baby," "Love Story," "The Odd Couple," "Harold & Maude," and
"Chinatown." In so doing, he transformed not only the studio, but the movie business, too.
But, all good things must come to an end. Evans' glorious 1970s gave way to the 1980s where
his star, his wealth and livelihood all crash. But, the kid stays in the picture.
Given a lucky spark, Evans turns his opportunities into a blaze and in 1991 turned things
around by securing the rights to "The Saint." Off and running again, Evans continues his 35+
years of producing at Paramount.
Kent's Take:
Watching "The Kid Stays In The Picture" is like watching a modern "Citizen Kane" (with
rosebuds instead of Rosebud). Although obviously ratcheted down to emphasize his
successes, we are none-the-less treated to a fascinating journey into the life of a true
Hollywood powerbroker.
Remarking on his loves, hates, successes, and failures, Evans' wonderful narration sheds
light on his candid moments and emotions. We fly along with the jet-setter as he schmoozes,
cajoles, and shoe-horns productions, making classic films for Paramount.
Kudos to film makers Brett Morgen and Nanette Burstein for this outstanding documentary.
This production somehow manages to capture the magical lure of Tinseltown while still
exposing a bit of its seedy underbelly.
Visually entertaining, this movie's success can be attributed to three elements. First, through
four decades, we see the immense changes Hollywood undergoes. Second, Evans' narration
is engaging, frank and charming. Finally, the editing is unmatched. Using new shots, old clips
and stills, cinematographer John Bailey has even brought black and whites to life with unique
computer enhancements.
"The Kid Stays In The Picture" is a must-see for anyone interested in the inner workings of
Hollywood. Yet, that is not the entertaining part. It's the insight, as seen through the eyes of
Robert Evans, that gives this riveting film its amber glow of life.
Carol's Take:
Robert Evans's 1994 autobiography, "The Kid Stays In The Picture," delighted movie buffs
and Hollywood insiders alike. The book painted a kinetic, colorful portrait of a born
showman.
At Paramount, employing taste, vision and hutzpah, Evans oversaw the development of some
of the best movies of the 1970s. In the process, the studio rose from last to first place among
the nine important studios of the day.
This new documentary, named for his book, chronicles the meteoric rise, and precipitous fall,
of Evans as one of the most important players in Hollywood during the '70s and '80s.
Naturally, the story includes more than one juicy bit about well-known tinsel-town personalities, too.
Film makers Nanette Burstein and Brett Morgen have created a compelling piece. Their
documentary creatively combines still and moving pictures from Evans's life and work.
For narration, they wisely chose the man's own voice, as he read his autobiography some
years ago for a books-on-tape project. While the sound quality is disappointing, the punch of
the subject speaking his own words to tell the story is its own reward.
"The Kid Stays In The Picture" is a must-see for movie buffs everywhere. Robert Evans was
destined to lead an interesting life, no matter what career he chose. It's a treat that his life was
so well-documented that we get to see it play out before us on the silver screen - far better
than any movie role he ever played.
© 2002 Webster-Kirkwood Times, Inc.
Movie reviews by Carol Hemphill and Kent Tentschert
reelworld@timesnewspapers.com