Review(s): DVD The Beales of Grey Gardens - Criterion Collection
Another Grey Gardens
If you can believe it, the Maysales' films capture a rather sanitized view of Grey Gardens. I witnessed first hand the Beales from an intimate relationship as a young boy from age 8-13, when I lived across the street from them. Grey Gardens was between my family's house and the beach, and it was on my bike that I met Miss Beale by calling to the spooky lady with cats crawling on her back from the street. After getting to know her from the street, then porch, spending hours with her, I finally met Mrs. Beale a year later when she descended from her bedroom, which was a rare occasion. But Mrs. Beale favored me even more than Miss, because I could sing and she loved to teach me "I can't give you anything but love baby" and sing to her niece Lee Radziwell over the phone from her bedroom. Just know that the house is CLEAN compared to when I knew it. This was pre-condemnation by the board of health, and raid because of the squaler that I knew. There was an empty cat can mountain in the dining room, an inch thick coat of cat fesces on the stairs, and so much more repulsive conditions, it would seem better to live in a tent in the yard. These films show a romantic side to the Beale's life, which has developed quite a cult following as a result. For me, it's a time capsule that is not quite right, since I knew the Beales prior to, and more intimately when they didn't play to the cameras.
Re-vamp/Sequel to Classic Film
Taken from the Criterion Collection desription:
The 1976 cinema vérité classic Grey Gardens, which captured in remarkable close-up the lives of the eccentric East Hampton recluses Big and Little Edie Beale, has spawned everything from a midnight-movie cult following to a Broadway musical, to an upcoming Hollywood adaptation. The filmmakers then went back to their vaults of footage to create part two, The Beales of Grey Gardens, a tribute both to these indomitable women and to the original landmark documentary's legions of fans, who have made them American counterculture icons.
This special DVD includes:
.New digital transfer, approved by director Albert Maysles
.New video introduction by Maysles
.Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
.Plus: A new essay by cultural critic Michael Musto
Related DVD's The Beales of Grey Gardens - Criterion Collection
Grey Gardens is the name of a neglected, sprawling estate gone to seed. The crumbling mansion was home to Edith Bouvier Beale, often referred to as "Big Edie," and her daughter, "Little Edie." The East Hampton, Long Island, home became the center of quite a scandal when it was revealed in 1973 that the reclusive aunt and cousin to Jackie O. were living in a state of poverty and filth. That's the background to this 1976 film portrait by cinéma vérité pioneers Albert and David Maysles, but it's only incidental to the fascinating story they discover inside the estate walls.
The two Edies have lived in almost complete seclusion since the mid-1950s, ever since Big Edie's husband abandoned her and Little Edie (then a young socialite on the verge of a dancing... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Edith Bouvier Beale Director(s): Albert Maysles - Ellen Hovde - Muffie Meyer DVD Release Date: Released the 14 August 2001 Usually ships in 24 hours
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