Review of My Kid Could Paint That (2007) by Kristian L — 17 Mar 2008

Amazing documentary. It starts as a critique and dissection of moder art. What makes art... well... art? Why do some blobs of paint sell for thousands of dollars while other sell for 5 bucks? If a child can do that then what`s so special about it. Is this little girl a gifted genious or just a kid? It was very fascinating stuff.

But then halfway through the movie, things change. It almost becomes a whodunnit mystery movie. People are accused of things, insults are thrown around and it`s all really riveting stuff. The best part is that the documentary offers you a balanced look at every side of this mystery.

I really enjoyed how self-aware the people in the movie were. They were well aware that they were being documented and would often comment on how this whole thing might affect them. It was really great to have that 4th wall broken. Like when the mother is concerned that this story should probably just die but because of this movie it won`t... and by watching it we`re participation in it. We`re keeping it alive.

Did the little girl paint them by herself? Did her dad help her? Did he do it all? Is the whole thing a hoax? Did the mother know? The movie leaves it up to you to make up your own mind and that`s exactly how it should be.