Informative and fascinating, NATALIE WOOD: WHAT REMAINS BEHIND is less TMZ and more HBO in its classy approach to a classic actress.
Rich in footage from Natalie Wood's childhood, career and loaded with scenes from many of her films, its fun for Wood fans and movie fans in general.
Produced and often narrated by Wood's daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner, the film dives deep into Wood's marriages and family life as well. Exclusive home movies are balanced with many new interviews with her co-stars.
It's great (and rather startling) to see 2020 interviews with Dyan Cannon, Richard Benjamin, Robert Redford and George Hamilton.
They are great storytellers, sharing their memories about working with her on many now classic films.
The film doesn't gloss over her tragic death, but it's the first time I've seen Robert Wagner share a detailed version of his memories of the weekend she died.
After all the National Enquirer type speculation into a love triangle between Christopher Walken, Wagner and Wood, fights on their yacht, a possible murder etc, its refreshing to see a more balanced take on what really happened.
Wood's mother was a relentless stage mom. Wood's marriages were all fascinating. Her half sister Lana Wood's endless campaign against Robert Wagner comes across as a plea for attention and fame, its desperate.
There's a lot to discover here.
Well produced and enjoyable for any movie buff, WHAT REMAINS BEHIND is a fitting tribute to a major star and gets a B.
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