Director Laurent Bouzereau, an established home video/movie documentarian, teams up with Producer/Interviewer Natasha Gregson Wagner (daughter of Natalie Wood and British producer/writer/agent Richard Gregson and step-daughter to Robert Wagner "Daddy Wagner") to look back into the life and times of one of Hollywood's early "it girls", the death of her mother, and the publics need to continue to talk of conspiracy regarding Wood's death.
In all, the production is a beautiful tribute Wood's life, providing her many fans an intimate glimpse into Wood's childhood, her personal family dynamics, growing up on screen and her many loves. With several Hollywood's top actors/friends/associate coming before the camera for interviews, it's clear to see Wood's was, is and continues to be loved.
The film eventually becomes personal when Natasha reads from her mom's letter (found after her death), and her sit-down with Robert Wagner ("R.J."). With Natasha asking the questions and R.J's recalling the day before, the night of and the days following Wood's death, it's hard to watch because it feel like we're witnessing what should be a personal family discussion, and yet its before the cameras to experience. While there are no new revelations regarding Wood's death, if there are clues to be found, the glossing over of the additional information provided by the boats deckhand, and no interview with Christopher Walken (who was on the boat the night she dead) do little to end this story.
If anything, "Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind" demonstrates that the family, except for Natalie's sister Lana - who has her own theories, have come to terms with Wood's passing, and shouldn't that be enough?
Review of Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind
