My Kid Could Paint That

Yesterday I saw the documentary My Kid Could Paint That.

The story follows that of alleged child prodigy Marla Olmstead and her family as they try to prove that the beautiful paintings they sold by the dozen were in fact done by her (a then 4-year-old).

This was a tough one to watch.

Of course, as a human being, you want the parents to be telling the truth and the girl to be supernaturally gifted, but watching this film, which includes the 60 Minutes footage that got everyone so worked up, you can't help but doubt the validity of the art.

To say much more would be to give too much of the movie away, but after you watch it, see if you agree with this theory:

• Mom was telling the truth (out of ignorance to the process)
• Dad was lying (but remorseful, as he probably didn't think "coaching" or "polishing" would be any big deal in the long run)
• Marla was innocent, and will probably be able to shed light on the controversy when she gets older
• Her little brother is adorable, and should have his own show
• Her manager is slimy and probably encouraged the "polishing"
• The art buyer in the end summed it up "the paintings look like they were done by two different artists"

Provocative and somewhat sad, this was not a bad way to spend an hour and a half.