Review of Grey Gardens (2009) by Jess L — 06 Feb 2013

An unbelievable documentary that is to be turned into a feature film in 2008 staring believe it or not, Drew Barrymore as 'Little' Edith and Jessica Lange as 'Big' Edith... will certainly be interesting to see how that film tackles these amazing individuals.

The documentary itself is quite bleak. In the same tone as 'Salesman' which Albert Maysles directed 7 years prior to making this, the film simply acts as an exhibition for these people, although it does at times tiptoe the line of exploitation.

This is a film where you might find yourself laughing at these two women before remembering that they actually existed and were not scripted or created in the mind of some film maker. Suddenly you are torn between two feelings; whether to laugh or feel sad for these two troubled souls.

I am fascinated by these two women, the lives they have led, the connections they have to influential American figures (The Kennedys - Jackie O) and the conditions they live in - absolute filth and no acknowledgment that this is the case. It is a landmark film in documenting a period of time and also exposing some of the more eccentric characters that inhabit this world. Mesmerizing.