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Controversy Is The Star Here, Sep 28 2008
This is a strange documentary, in that, the star of the show is a four year old girl named Marla who can paint like an adult. However, she doesn't speak other than what you would expect from a four year old. The paintings are considered remarkable works of modern art. Not until "60 Minutes" does a scathing story about the possibility that she was coached or that her father might have even touched up the paintings, do things start changing. Her gallery showings end along with the sales of her paintings (some asking $25,000 and more).
The parents allow a hidden camera to be placed to document Marla painting to prove that she is truly the artist. The result is a painting called, "Ocean" that is both considered great and below her ability. The controversy continues. It appears that no one is satisfied. During one gallery sequence, several of her paintings are displayed and they all have child-like titles. Along with "Ocean" are "Lollipop", "Feather", "Flower", "Blue Sun", "Four" and others. They all are consistent in their quality and style. However, I could not help but notice that two paintings not only had adult titles, but were considerably different than the other paintings in style. These were titled, "Ode To Pollock" and "Asian Sun". Now if the father did not coach (meaning, he said he did not even suggest a color, theme or any other kind of influence), someone certainly titled these paintings other than Marla. Or am I wrong too?
Everyone interviewed speaks with utmost believability, credibility and honesty. Several columnists are also interviewed and the insight into the "Marla" phenomenon takes on anther perspective. Also pointed out, is the viewpoint of the very people doing this documentary. Can they be completely neutral in their observances and recording? It seems the answer is that everyone is suspect - and that is amazing, considering that Marla was the original point of this story - a story that got spun out of control. If anything, watching the human interaction and a family placed in the spotlight makes for a great documentary. The paintings? They are amazing in themselves and that should be the point.
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