Watch The Beales of Grey Gardens

The Beales of Grey Gardens is a documentary film that takes the audience on a journey inside the life of two eccentric women, Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter, also named Edith, who live in a run-down mansion called Grey Gardens in East Hampton, New York. The movie is a follow-up to the acclaimed 1975 documentary Grey Gardens, and it features footage that was not included in the original documentary, as well as new interviews with the subjects.

The Beales of Grey Gardens is directed by Albert Maysles, who also directed the original documentary, and is a compilation of footage shot over 30 years. The film provides a never-before-seen look into the lives of the two women, who are both related to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The Beales of Grey Gardens is a portrait of a mother and daughter who are living in a world of their own, disconnected from the outside world.

The movie is divided into five chapters, each of which provides a glimpse into the daily life of the Beales. The first chapter focuses on Big Edie, the mother, and her relationship with her daughter, Little Edie. The second chapter explores the history of the family and the mansion, while the third chapter is about the Beales' interactions with the outside world. The fourth chapter delves into the mother-daughter dynamic, and the fifth and final chapter shows the Beales living their daily lives.

Throughout the movie, the audience gets to see the Beales living in squalor, surrounded by filth and decay. Despite their circumstances, they remain proud of their family history and their privileged background. The movie also shows the Beales' eccentricities, such as Little Edie's outlandish fashion sense, her love of poetry, and her fondness for singing and dancing. Big Edie, on the other hand, is shown as a recluse who spends most of her time in bed.

The Beales of Grey Gardens is a poignant movie that highlights the complexities of family relationships. It is a story of love, isolation, and survival. The movie portrays the Beales as individuals who are both vulnerable and resilient. Despite their difficult circumstances, they manage to find joy and contentment in their own way.

The Beales of Grey Gardens also has a rich historical context. The Beales were related to some of the most prominent families in American history, such as the Kennedys, the Vanderbilts, and the Astors. The movie provides a glimpse into the world of the upper echelons of society, as well as the decline of aristocratic families.

Overall, The Beales of Grey Gardens is a hauntingly beautiful documentary that is both tragic and uplifting. It is a character study that delves deep into the lives of two fascinating women, who are both flawed and endearing. The movie is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul.

The Beales of Grey Gardens is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.