The Kid Stays in the Picture
Directed by Nanette Burstein and Brett Morgen
Starring Robert Evans
Running Time: 91 minutes
Let me first get this out of the way. This film is an entertaining
hour and a half spent, and it does give some insight into
the world of Hollywood executives and maybe an inkling of
what it takes to get a film made.
Now it is impossible to review this film without commenting
on the integrity and success of the source material, so
the remainder of this entry is going to be more of a rant
about his shortcomings. The documentary is really a stroke
film, and spends most of the time praising Evan's successes
and his contributions to film, but the picture the film
paints is obviously slanted, especially considering it comes
from a self-professed egomaniac. Please allow me to comment
a little more freely on the "success" of Robert Evans.
Of course the first two films anyone thinks of when hearing
the name Robert Evans are probably The Godfather and Chinatown.
Yes, we do all have to thank him for these two films. Especially
The Godfather, which wouldn't have been made if it weren't
for him. These two films are his legacy, but they also are
the beginning of a long and arduous producing career. You
would think that someone would be able to top himself, especially
when given 20 or 30 years to do so. Robert Evans did the
opposite.
Ever since 1974, when Chinatown was released, Robert Evans
has been synonymous with mediocrity. In fact, he even tarnished
his masterpiece by producing a mediocre sequel. Evans is
not responsible for bringing us quality cinema. In fact,
after Chinatown the opposite has been true.
Let's look at his filmography since Chinatown and each
film's IMDB rating:
1976, Marathon Man - 7.4. Good start, eh?
1977, Black Sunday - 6.6.
1979, Players - 3.6
1980, Urban Cowboy - 5.9
1980, Popeye - 4.8
1984, The Cotton Club - 6.2
1990, The Two Jakes - 5.8
1993, Sliver - 4.6
1995, Jade - 4.7
1996, The Phantom - 5.0
1997, The Saint - 5.7
1999, The Out-of-Towners - 5.0
2003, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days - 6.2
Average Rating: 5.5
Some of those ratings are generous. Keep in mind, those
aren't by critics, but the general public. His work is mediocre
in the eyes of all moviegoers. Evan's resume has been deplorable.
Why should we be celebrating this guy's career? Is it ironic
that his own biography is just about the only thing worth
watching by this guy in 25 years?
Score: 7/10