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'My Kid Could Paint That'

By Cole Smithey
Maui Time | September 30, 2007
Documentarian Amir Bar-Lev makes himself a moving target when he breaks form to editorialize in private monologue about his doubts over the veracity of 4-year-old Marla Olmstead creating museum-worthy paintings without the help of her father. Marla became an overnight sensation when her first art gallery showing of abstract paintings sold out, and she became a choice subject for television and radio shows. Her likeable parents, Mark and Laura, agreed to let Amir Bar-Lev film them for a year, during which time "60 Minutes" televised a full hour show with Charlie Rose accusing the Olmsteads of "finishing" Marla’s paintings. The documentary is as much about how we view the value of art, as it is about the way art is created. There is a payoff interview with Laura and Mark that answers the question if Mark assisted his daughter on the paintings. "My Kid Could Paint That" is a thought-provoking movie about the ethical shades of gray. See it for yourself.

Rated PG-13, 83 mins. (B+) (Four Stars)
Tags: Amir Bar-Lev, My Kid Could Paint That

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Maui Time Weekly provides insightful analysis and in depth reporting. We believe some issues are so important they require thoughtful consideration. We are not a “paper of record”—a daily journal of government meetings, ribbon-cuttings and corporate announcements. We decide what’s...
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