Grey Gardens: Any other DUers seen this film?

[oustemnow]

A friend lent it to me last week; OMG, hilarious and devastating at the same time. It's a documentary about a mother and daughter, relatives to Jacqueline Bouvier, living with each other in almost complete isolation from the outside world on their decrepit estate, not-so-slowly going mad. As far as docus about dysfunctional families, it's right up there with Crumb.

Definitely recommended.

[deadparrot]

1. No, but I've heard the Broadway musical is quite good.

I might have to check the movie out, thanks. :hi:

[oustemnow]

4. I'm a bit puzzled about the Broadway show

I'm not sure how they could translate the movie, as it's so much about the very distinct personalities it chronicles. But, I haven't seen the musical, so I'll reserve judgment. Apparently Drew Barrymore is trying to get a dramatic version made.

Definitely check out the original if you get a chance.

[swag]

2. Oh, yes. Many many times.

Be sure to watch the DVD extras.

I think the Maysles have a new one out on the same subject, called The Beales of Grey Gardens.

Oh, look. They do:

http://www.amazon.com/Beales-Grey-Gardens-Criterion-Collection/dp/B000IY02W4

[oustemnow]

3. Cool, thanks! I didn't know about the other one

I had heard there was an anniversary edition 2-disc release of Grey Gardens, but this looks like another title altogether.

I've started in with the DVD extras, namely the commentary from Todd Oldham and the other designer. Can't wait to check out the others.


"I'm a staunch character!"

[ronnykmarshall]

5. No but I'd love to see it.

That story has always interested me.

[terrya]

6. Several times.

It's one of my favorite films. The relationship between Big Edie and Little Edie is fascinating.

[flamingyouth]

7. Many times

Excellent film. :thumbsup:

[applegrove]

8. I've seen it. Interesting in a sad sorta way.

[oustemnow]

11. There's definite sadness to it

You have to feel for Little Edie, never fulfilling her life's ambition, and blaming the need to look after her mother (perhaps not entirely unwarranted). But it's amazing how the movie manages to balance that sadness with humor--they really walked a fine line with that.

[lavenderdiva]

9. Recently, TCM showed 'Grey Gardens'

within the last six months or so, Turner Classic Movie channel showed 'Grey Gardens' for the first time, and that was where I saw it. What an intriguing duo those 2 were! They said that after Big Edie died, Little Edie moved to Florida. I wonder how she was able to make that transition? Does anyone know if the follow-up movie explains any of this? 'Grey Gardens' introduced us to 2 fascinating, yet kooky, people.

an aside: the morning after I saw 'Grey Gardens', Christine Ebersole was on some morning show, sharing her performance as Little Edie from the Broadway version of the same name. She was dressed as Little Edie, and sang a song from the show, and was outstanding...

[oustemnow]

10. In the DVD commentary it says that Little Edie

stayed in the house of either two or five years (as predicted by Big Edie before her death), then made the startling leap from West Hampton to East Hampton (or vice versa), living in the guest cottage of some other home. Then, eventually, to Florida. So, baby steps, I guess--or maybe a saucy trot, waving the American Flag the whole way.