This documentary, directed by Laurent Bouzereau and narrated by Natasha Gregson Wagner (daughter of Natalie and Producer Richard Gregson and the step-daughter of Robert Wagner), chooses to focus on Natalie’s film career and her personal life, but barely touches on her tragic death. Only 43, Natalie died on November 29, 1981 from drowning near Catalina Island while on a weekend yachting excursion with her husband, Robert Wagner, and close friend (how close we’ll never know), Christopher Walken. The mystery behind Natalie’s death (“Was it an accident or a murder?”) unfortunately has overshadowed her considerable accomplishments. This documentary attempts to correct this imbalance, but with only partial success.
Natalie was the daughter of Russian immigrants and by happenstance became a child actress. She was always working and didn’t have a normal childhood. Her mother was also volatile and unstable. Although she never won an Academy Award, before she was 25 she had three Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955) and Best Actress for “Splendor In The Grass” (1961) and my favorite movie of hers, “Love With the Proper Stranger” (1963) with Steve McQueen. It’s my theory that she wasn’t considered to be a “truly great actress” due to the fact that she was so phenomenally gorgeous that her looks would overwhelm her performances, no matter how great her acting really was. She was my favorite actress in the 1960’s and, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful women who ever lived!
Natalie was very intelligent and courageous, taking on the male-dominated Hollywood Studio system at great personal cost (an 18-month suspension) and won the right to choose one film to act in each year. After she had married Robert Wagner for the second time, Natalie had a second daughter, Courtney. A very devoted mother, Natalie didn’t act much while her daughters were young. This, coupled with her tragic death a few years later, limited her career activity in the tail end of her life.
Additionally, the film also features interesting interviews with Robert Redford (whose career was significantly helped by Natalie) and Mia Farrow. I wish it had more depth, such as Toni Morrison’s documentary last year, but it’s worth seeing if you have any interest in learning more about her.
This documentary, directed by Laurent Bouzereau and narrated by Natasha Gregson Wagner (daughter of Natalie and Producer Richard Gregson and the step-daughter of Robert Wagner), chooses to focus on Natalie's film career and her personal life, but barely touches on her tragic death. Only 43, Natalie died on November 29, 1981 from drowning near Catalina Island while on a weekend yachting excursion with her husband, Robert Wagner, and close friend (how close we'll never know), Christopher Walken. The mystery behind Natalie's death ("Was it an accident or a murder?") unfortunately has overshadowed her considerable accomplishments. This documentary attempts to correct this imbalance, but with only partial success. Natalie was the daughter of Russian immigrants and by happenstance became a child actress. She was always working and didn't have a normal childhood. Her mother was also volatile and unstable. Although she never won an Academy Award, before she was 25 she had three Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for "Rebel Without A Cause" (1955) and Best Actress for "Splendor In The Grass" (1961) and my favorite movie of hers, "Love With the Proper Stranger" (1963) with Steve McQueen. It's my theory that she wasn't considered to be a "truly great actress" due to the fact that she was so phenomenally gorgeous that her looks would overwhelm her performances, no matter how great her acting really was. She was my favorite actress in the 1960's and, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful women who ever lived! Natalie was very intelligent and courageous, taking on the male-dominated Hollywood Studio system at great personal cost (an 18-month suspension) and won the right to choose one film to act in each year. After she had married Robert Wagner for the second time, Natalie had a second daughter, Courtney. A very devoted mother, Natalie didn't act much while her daughters were young. This, coupled with her tragic death a few years later, limited her career activity in the tail end of her life. Additionally, the film also features interesting interviews with Robert Redford (whose career was significantly helped by Natalie) and Mia Farrow. I wish it had more depth, such as Toni Morrison's documentary last year, but it's worth seeing if you have any interest in learning more about her.
Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind – Natalie In Real Life (HBO)
Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind – Natalie In Real Life (HBO)
2020-05-17
David
70
7
An Under-Rated Actress!
Superficial, But Worth A Look!
User Rating : No Ratings Yet !
7
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