Grey Gardens (1975)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Directors:

Ellen Hovde
Albert Maysles

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

An old mother and her middle-aged daughter, the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, live their eccentric lives in a filthy, decaying mansion in East Hampton.

Plot Keywords:

Mansion | Hamptons | Cat | Raccoon | Flea

Cast

Edith Bouvier Beale	...	Herself
Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale	...	Herself
Brooks Hyers	...	Himself - Gardener
Norman Vincent Peale	...	Himself (voice)

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

East Hampton, Long Island, New York, USA

Company:

Portrait Films

Trivia:

A musical version was produced as "Grey Gardens" and opened at the Walter Kerr Theater in New York on November 2, 2006, ran for 308 performances and was nominated for the 2007 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Book and Score.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale: What're you doing down there? You staying there?

Movie Connections:

References A Night at the Opera (1935)

Soundtrack:

Tea for Two

An amazing glimpse into the wonderful, bizarre life of a mother and daughter

Several years ago when I first watched "Grey Gardens" I remember laughing and finding it hilarious camp. Years later I still laugh out loud when I watch it, but after many viewings I've come to see the beauty in the strange, twisted relationship between the inseparable "Big" Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter "Little" Edith Bouvier Beale.

Mother and daughter living together in their decaying 28 room East Hampton mansion add a whole new meaning to the term "Shabby Chic". With innumerable cats, raccoons and opossums as roommates this Aunt and Niece of Jackie O. allowed filmmakers Albert and David Maysles into their mansion to film them living life day to day. The result is a hilarious, beautiful, sad and moving account of true love and anarchy rule.

The relationship between Big and Little Edie is a testament to the unbreakable bonds of love. And their lives an example of drive, determination and free-will. This movie has more to recommend it than I can put down into words. It is a rare experience that you must see for yourself.