NATALIE WOOD: WHAT REMAINS BEHIND | Courtesy of Sundance Institute
Laurent Bouzereau revisits the life and career of the three-time Oscar-nominated actress.
Festival Section:
Documentary Premieres
Sundance Program Description:
Natalie Wood literally grew up in the public eye, appearing in films alongside legends like Orson Wells and playing iconic characters like the little girl in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. Into adulthood, Wood delivered indelible performances and changed the lives of many, including help launch the film career of Robert Redford after seeing him on stage in New York. In the minds of many, Natalie Wood’s remarkable life and career have been overshadowed by her tragic death off the coast of Catalina Island. Her extensive circle of family and friends, however, has not forgotten her life.
Guided by her daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner and featuring previously unseen home movies, photographs, diaries, and letters, NATALIE WOOD: WHAT REMAINS BEHIND lets those closest to her tell an intimate story of the Natalie Wood they knew. Besides discussing the night she died and its terrible aftermath, those who knew her best share what made her not just a remarkable actor but also a friend, wife, and mother, whose loss is lessened in impact only by her loving memory.
Some Background:
Director/Producer:
Bouzereau most recently directed and produced the Emmy-winning Netflix docuseries FIVE CAME BACK. He has directed hundreds of behind-the-scenes docs about notable films and written numerous books about film.
Producers:
Bowman is an author, photo editor, and archivist focusing on cinema and television history. He wrote, with Natasha Gregson Wagner, the biography NATALIE WOOD: REFLECTIONS ON A LEGENDARY LIFE.
As an actress, Gregson Wagner has appeared in several Sundance alumni films, including LOST HIGHWAY; FIRST LOVE, LAST RITES; and FATHERS AND SONS. This is her first producing credit.
Executive Producers:
Frank and Falvey are co-presidents of Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television. They have worked with Bouzereau several times, having executive produced FIVE CAME BACK as well as his biography of Richard D Zanuck, DON’T SAY NO UNTIL I FINISH TALKING, and the series A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES.
Combined recent past Sundance docs:
LEAVING NEVERLAND (2018)
MOONLIGHT SONATA: DEAFNESS IN THREE MOVEMENTS (2019)
THE INVENTOR: OUT FOR BLOOD IN SILICON VALLEY (2019)
ROBIN WILLIAMS: COME INSIDE MY MIND (2018)
RX: EARLY DETECTION – A CANCER JOURNEY WITH SANDRA LEE (2018, short)
CRIES FROM SYRIA (2017)
Executive VPs Abraham and Heller are co-heads of HBO Documentary and Family Programming, where they have produced multiple Emmy Award-winning projects over the years.
Editor:
This is the first Sundance project for Summers, who has cut many of Bouzereau’s making of docs.
Why You Should Watch:
Bouzereau’s film serves as an important corrective to popular consciousness’ focus on Natalie Wood’s death, painting a fuller picture of the actress’ life and demonstrating a better appreciation of her illustrious career. With Gregson Wagner behind the project, it serves as a fitting vehicle through which her daughter can celebrate Wood’s legacy with the larger world.
More Info:
Website
For Sundance screening dates and times, click the film title in the first paragraph.
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