Last night, as the rain pattered on the leaves, I watched the 2009 HBO movie Grey Gardens. Staring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange, this movie is about a mother and daughter each named Edie Beale. Big Edie and Little Edie. The aunt and cousin of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. They lived for many years in Grey Gardens, a mansion in East Hampton, New York, much of that time in dire poverty.
In 1975 two brothers, Albert and David Maysles, made a documentary film about the Beales. A musical was also made from the documentary film. The film and the documentary are available on NetFlix. Astonishing story.
12 comments:
Thanks for the recommendation, Suki. I will look for this one whenever it comes around here...I seem to remember a reference to this ignored part of the family in the Gilmore Girls series. Interesting.
I've seen the original, which was one of the most strangely powerful (and powerfully strange) films I've ever seen (that was before its current popularity due to the musical and HBO movie; I was attracted to it as a fan of the Maysle brothers' Gimme Shelter--another masterpiece). I'll be fascinated to see what Barrymore and Lange did with the roles...
Intersting. I never heard of them. And I too watched the Gilmore Girls series. Now my curiosity is peeked.
I recently watched the documentary which was very interesting--- very strange offshoot of the Jackie Bouvier - Kennedy family. The mother and daughter were real characters. I have not seen the HBO movie yet
I have seen this and it's both disturbing and facinating. Beautifully and tastefully done.
I recommend it too.
Thank you. I shall look for this.
Cynthia, I dont know about the Gilmore Girls series. This movie is on DVD, not sure if it is still traveling to theatres.
YogaforCynics, I have the original on order from Netflix. I watched the fictional account first as I was afraid it would be a disturbing scenario as it was, but Barrymore and Lange were so good that it counterbalanced the disturbing aspects of the story. Thanks to for the tip on the Maysle brother's who I had never heard of before although "Gimme Shelter" sounds familiar. I'm jotting that down.
Cris, there are disturbing parts to the story. Just to sort of forwarn you.
layers, yes it is almost like a shadow side to the family although Jackie Onassis of course had her share of shadow too. But still, the overall impression of Jackie is of glamour, grace and wealth. These gals were shabby, poor and bordering on the deluded.
lynn, i agree that this HBO version was quite well done. I am interested to see the actual documentary film and compare the two.
you're welcome chewy. I cant recall what got me going with Grey Gardens. Not sure if I read about it on another blog or just came across it in my Netflix movie descriptions. But I think there are whole fan clubs around the movie.
Wow Suki, this sounds like a real winner. I am often looking for interesting movies and this sounds as though it is right up my alley! Thank you for the insight.
Have a Great Week!
Hmmmmm . . . looks like a very unusual film and so interesting. I think I'll check this out, maybe the library has the original. I always learn about the most interesting things when I blog. I am a voracious "learner" and blogging connects me with wonderful sources/teachers to feed my habit. ; D Thanks again Suki-friend.
p.s.
I'm still praying for you. I wish you could pop in for a cup of tea and a relaxing chat about simply beautiful things. They are right there beside the craggy self-doubting thoughts, but they shrink behind the noxious weeds like a ripening berry in hiding. Look for the sweetness . . .it's there just waiting for the right moment to be picked. Stay afloat on joy in the merest hint of beauty. It will sustain.
Whatever is lovely . . . think on these things.
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