Grey Gardens (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'Grey Gardens' is a 1976 documentary helmed by Albert & David Maysles; they had previously filmed docs on Orson Welles, Marlon Brando & The Beatles. This film explores the inane daily lives of two aging, eccentric aunt & cousin of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis; filmed during the lazy summer days of '75. Said cousins, 79 yr. old "Big Edie" Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale & her 56 yr. old daughter, "Little Edie" Edith Bouvier Beale, lived together for decades in their decaying mansion in the Long Island beach town of East Hampton. In the early '70s The National Enquirer dug up a story of these fading former socialites living as shut-ins in opulent squalor in their feline, flea, & raccoon-infested 28-room mansion called Grey Gardens.
Sure, they had no running water. But they did have an ocean view and ... each other. Onassis paid to have the estate somewhat restored and, this film was shot several yrs. later when it was already returning to ruin. 'Grey Gardens' simply turns the camera's eye on these destitute, reclusive Chatty Cathys & observes them as they go about their day-to-days recalling the past, verbally sparring & then making-up -- they are both fascinating train wrecks to behold. "Big Edie" spends most of her time ailing in bed, with a hotplate. In one scene, she boils corn on the cob & serves it, amid cats & old cat food, to her company. Back in the 1920s, Big Edie was filthy rich & aspiring singer; and so, she finds any excuse to suddenly break into song during this doc.
"Little Edie" will usually join-in until her mother so lovingly criticizes every note coming out of her mouth. Little Edie may be 56 yrs. old, but acts as a teenager would; Today, people would say she has a sort of emotional disorder; back then, she would be called "batty". Living with her mother & never marrying or becoming independent has made her act as an adolescent would; constantly ranting about how her mother ruined her life, all while flitting around in a sort of manic state in fancy clothes & scarves {or towels} wrapped around her head. That said, when viewed today, her looks are somewhat iconic. These misfits, of sorts, discuss their grandiose pasts, petty annoyances, habits, former loves, & desires; all amid utter filth & animals circling them.
'Grey Gardens' has become a cult classic documentary; even spawning a Broadway musical, as well as an award-winning HBO film starring Jessica Lange & Drew Barrymore. What makes their story so fascinating is their riches-to-rags story arc. They were at the pinnacle of American society but, over time, life's disappointments bewildered them; slowly driving them into quite the fall from grace. By 1975, they have a tenuous grasp on reality. But oh, what stories they tell; spending time with these 2 idiosyncratic, attention-deprived personalities is addicting. Their bonkers story may be difficult to watch at times, but this film also hypnotically illuminates a very tender mother/daughter love story & the unassailable nature of the human spirit.
Sure, they had no running water. But they did have an ocean view and ... each other. Onassis paid to have the estate somewhat restored and, this film was shot several yrs. later when it was already returning to ruin. 'Grey Gardens' simply turns the camera's eye on these destitute, reclusive Chatty Cathys & observes them as they go about their day-to-days recalling the past, verbally sparring & then making-up -- they are both fascinating train wrecks to behold. "Big Edie" spends most of her time ailing in bed, with a hotplate. In one scene, she boils corn on the cob & serves it, amid cats & old cat food, to her company. Back in the 1920s, Big Edie was filthy rich & aspiring singer; and so, she finds any excuse to suddenly break into song during this doc.
"Little Edie" will usually join-in until her mother so lovingly criticizes every note coming out of her mouth. Little Edie may be 56 yrs. old, but acts as a teenager would; Today, people would say she has a sort of emotional disorder; back then, she would be called "batty". Living with her mother & never marrying or becoming independent has made her act as an adolescent would; constantly ranting about how her mother ruined her life, all while flitting around in a sort of manic state in fancy clothes & scarves {or towels} wrapped around her head. That said, when viewed today, her looks are somewhat iconic. These misfits, of sorts, discuss their grandiose pasts, petty annoyances, habits, former loves, & desires; all amid utter filth & animals circling them.
'Grey Gardens' has become a cult classic documentary; even spawning a Broadway musical, as well as an award-winning HBO film starring Jessica Lange & Drew Barrymore. What makes their story so fascinating is their riches-to-rags story arc. They were at the pinnacle of American society but, over time, life's disappointments bewildered them; slowly driving them into quite the fall from grace. By 1975, they have a tenuous grasp on reality. But oh, what stories they tell; spending time with these 2 idiosyncratic, attention-deprived personalities is addicting. Their bonkers story may be difficult to watch at times, but this film also hypnotically illuminates a very tender mother/daughter love story & the unassailable nature of the human spirit.