amir bar-lev Tagged Articles at Cinematical

The big indie DVD release this week is Sean Penn's cinematic version of the true-life adventure story Into the Wild, starring Emile Hirsch and Hal Holbrook. But there are several other intriguing new titles that you might have missed during their theatrical engagements, starting with Susanne Bier's Things We Lost in the Fire. By our usual definitions, it's not really an "indie," since it was released by a big Hollywood studio (Paramount Pictures), but I think Bier's distinctive directorial vision is the very definition of "independent." It's certainly not an easy film to watch or to like, yet the performance by Benicio del Toro is a knock out and I think a rental is justified. The DVD includes deleted scenes and a discussion about the film.

When he saw My Kid Could Paint That at Sundance, Scott Weinberg wrote: "I love a documentary that doles out both sides of an interesting story and then forces you to decide for yourself where the truth actually lies." Directed by Amir Bar-Lev, the documentary tells the story of a four-year-old girl who may -- or may not -- be an immensely talented artist. Sony Pictures Classics' DVD includes an audio commentary and two behind-the-scenes features.

An intimate drama that divided festival audiences, Chilean filmmaker Matías Bize's En La Cama (In Bed) sets all the action in a single motel room as a man and a woman alternately have passionate sex and engage in spirited debates. This sounds like a couples film -- as long as the couple is comfortable watching softcore porn together. Koch Lorber's DVD includes deleted scenes, a bonus interview, rehearsals, TV spots, and a short film by the director.

There's no better way to stir up controversy about modern art then to have an up-and-coming artist, one who sells her work for thousands, be under the young age of 5. It brings a whole new meaning to the common modern art gripe: "a kid could paint that," which is why the new documentary about Marla Olmstead is called: My Kid Could Paint That. Amir Bar-Lev's doc follows the quick rise of the young artist, and the discussion she's brewing both in and out of the art world -- questioning the validity of much modern art, as well as just how responsible the child is for her own paintings.

Earlier this year, Scott Weinberg reviewed the film at Sundance and said that it did "a rock-solid and entirely admirable job of dancing on both sides of the fence." With the October 5 limited release date quickly approaching, a trailer has gone up online, and it's pretty solid.* (Erik briefly mentioned it for Trailer Park here.) Some money and time was obviously put into it, resulting in a slick and thought-provoking blip, perfect to stir up interest and discussion about the film. It shows Marla, her parents and a sea of supporters and naysayers as she rises from kid with a paintbrush to artist sensation. What really strikes me is how easily "genius" is thrown around. It makes me wonder more about what will happen to this kid later, rather than whether she's the lone artistic mind behind her paintings. The life of an artist is tough. Can she continue to produce art that art collectors are itching for? Laying it on a girl under five almost surely sets up harsh criticism and disappointment, probably before she even gets to hit her teens.

Bar-Lev's documentary is looking like the perfect doc to see with friends and then have rabid discussions with afterwards: Did she make the art all on her own? If yes, does that mean modern art is a farce, or that she's utterly brilliant and comparable to adult greats? Can she continue to wow people? Is this all just a big scam?

*It's a great trailer, and not just because our Scott Weinberg got quoted in it! Woot!

I love a documentary that doles out both sides of an interesting story and then forces you to decide for yourself where the truth actually lies. Amir Bar-Lev's My Kid Could Paint That is precisely that kind of documentary: It offers a very interesting (yet decidedly ambiguous) story, offers two very distinct sides of the story, gives tons of interesting facts and opinions, and then leaves you to decide who's telling the truth ... and if it really matters. The story is this: There's this adorable little 4-year-old girl who lives in Binghamton, New York. Her name is Marla Olmstead. She has a cute little brother, two adoring parents and a huge batch of talent in the painting department ... or does she?

In the first half of this effortlessly entertaining documentary, we're given no reason to doubt that little Marla is a true genius, a stunning pre-school ingenue, and a small human being overstuffed with some really staggering artistic talents. Propping herself up on the kitchen floor and using her daddy's paints and canvases, little Marla sure looks like she's some sort of astronomical prodigy -- especially after a local restaurateur and gallery owner decide to exhibit her pieces ... and the things absolutely fly off the shelf.