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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating!, August 20, 2002
Even though the reviews of this film were almost universally raves, I wouldn't have gone to see it. But a friend wanted to go, so I went along. And I'm truly glad I did. This is not like any documentary (particularly of a Hollywood notable) I've ever seen. For those of us who watch A & E Biography to glean tidbits of unknown information about "the famous," The Kid Stays in the Picture is a world apart, a completely refreshing take on biographical film-making. What sets this film apart is its honesty. Evans's narration is self-deprecating, self-mocking, truthful and utterly unpretentious. The combination of TV and film clips, stills with subtle bits of animation (cigarette smoking rising from the surface of a photo) and the voiceover explanations of how some of Evans's films came to be is nothing less than compelling. It's also very, very funny. One notable description is of Frank Sinatra's ultimatum to Mia Farrow during the filming of the groundbreaking Rosemary's Baby. Either Mia finished the picture on day X or she could forget about coming home. How Evans schmoozed Mia into completing the picture is a great combination of smart hard-sell and appeal to the actress's ego. There are similar tales about how Coppola came to be the director of The Godfather. Without copping any attitude, with painting any portion of his career in pastels, Evans comes across as a smart fellow with a great feeling for the books that make good movies. And the final scene, with Dustin Hoffman doing a long impersonation of Evans while the end credits run is absolutely hilarious. If you have any interest in film-making, or want to know about a legendary Hollywood producer, or simply wish to see one swell documentary, see this movie. It's one of a kind.
Highly recommended.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
He knows everybody, December 20, 2004
Maybe the most engaging documentary ever made. Brilliant style is used in telling the story of one of the giants of the movie industry, producer Robert Evans. Giving magical illumination and motion to still pictures in a way that I could only describe as psychedelic.
Being a film fanatic for the last 43 years I was shocked and ashamed to find that I had not heard of Robert Evans. In all my reading of credits over the years I had somehow missed his name. I had remembered seeing William Castle's name at the beginning of Rosemary's Baby but not Evan's. Then, at finding out that he was the driving force behind Love Story, The Godfather, The Godfather Pt.2, Chinatown and one of my personal favorites The President's Analyst and that he was a big reason why those movies were so good, well I was just dumbfounded. And these are just a fraction of the films he's produced.
Of course he didn't start as a producer. He had been in women's apparel with his brother and accredited their endeavours as the reason why women wear pants today. While lounging around a pool one day he was discovered by Norma Shearer, lauching his career into show biz. It seems he knows everybody and I mean everybody.
After watchng this extraordinary film I called my father to ask him if he had ever heard of this astonishing personality. I queried, "Have you ever heard of Robert Evans?" anxiously awaiting a "No" so I could tell him all about this amazing show biz entity. He replied, "You mean Bob Evans." Yes indeed, it seems he knows EVERYBODY. My father had come across him in his days as a buyer for Macy's. I asked, "Do you know what he does now?" "He's some sort of movie director or something now, isn't he.", Dad answered. I bought him the audiobook.
Evans narrates both the documentary and the audiobook, both which are drawn from his autobiograghy by the same name. His voice is almost as amazing as his story and probably greatly enabled his prowess. He also lent his voice to the short-lived, hysterically irreverent cartoon series Kid Notorious that still airs on Comedy Central.
All in all, whether you know Evans or not this is a fascinating, beautifully made film about a producer whose achievements are arguably greater than Thalberg's and Selznick's combined. The story of his life and loves is the stuff of legends and it goes on and on. This is a must see for anyone interested in Tinseltown. PS:I don't usually care for the added features but these are worthwhile and the credits to the main part of the documentary are alone worth the price of the disc. What a hoot and more proof that he knows everybody. Ask your dad. Who knows?
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cool, April 4, 2005
I had no idea what to expect before watching, but I was really happy I made time for this one. It's a doc / experimental piece unlike anything I've seen. Of course I've known about and appreciated the many films he's been involved in, but never of the man himself. I love the visual cut-motion style and a superb, evocative mix including music of the times then. Of course, how could anyone not be hypnotized by his speaking voice, which oozes that knowing which comes from having lived the life. While I'm happy for any guy who lands his dream girl, the footage of him in the supplements with his latest made me wince. It definitely should have been made into a difficult-to-find easter egg. The film itself is one of those that once you start, you are compelled to see to the end. Loved it.
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