This biography of the great Mary Pickford was very well-crafted and worth seeing--particularly if you are a fan of her films or silents in general. As I am both, the documentary was a natural.
One thing that often sets one biographical documentary apart from others is truthfulness. Some biographies gloss over the subject's foibles or sins, others do nothing but focus on the salacious and wicked--this film is nice because it gives the 'warts and all' view of Pickford but also elevates her and praises her contributions. This makes for a film that is interesting, truthful and real. Years ago, I saw a biography about Dean Martin and it never even mentioned his first wife--like she never even existed. These sorts of omissions are not a problem with this film.
While this is not among the very, very best films about the lives and films of silent stars (mostly because it was only about an hour and half long), it is top-notch. Nice film clips, interviews and a competent narration by Whoopie Goldberg (an odd choice...but it worked fine) make this a quality film.
For a perfect or near-perfect film about silent stars, try watching "Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow". Unlike the Pickford biography, this one is three hours long!! It allows for an examination of his life but also a very detailed analysis of his art--something I might have liked more in the Pickford film--though this is NOT being critical. I just like LOTS of information about actors I have loved.
One thing that often sets one biographical documentary apart from others is truthfulness. Some biographies gloss over the subject's foibles or sins, others do nothing but focus on the salacious and wicked--this film is nice because it gives the 'warts and all' view of Pickford but also elevates her and praises her contributions. This makes for a film that is interesting, truthful and real. Years ago, I saw a biography about Dean Martin and it never even mentioned his first wife--like she never even existed. These sorts of omissions are not a problem with this film.
While this is not among the very, very best films about the lives and films of silent stars (mostly because it was only about an hour and half long), it is top-notch. Nice film clips, interviews and a competent narration by Whoopie Goldberg (an odd choice...but it worked fine) make this a quality film.
For a perfect or near-perfect film about silent stars, try watching "Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow". Unlike the Pickford biography, this one is three hours long!! It allows for an examination of his life but also a very detailed analysis of his art--something I might have liked more in the Pickford film--though this is NOT being critical. I just like LOTS of information about actors I have loved.