Movies We Watch

I have not seen the documentary about the Ediths and am not sure if I want to after seeing this. It was depressing watching the relationship between this mother and daughter. The mother was possibly one of the most selfish women I had ever seen. The fact that she did not completely kill the spirit and dreams of her daughter was amazing. But that the daughter put everything she wanted on hold for so long and went through so much out of family obligation is sad.

To live in the filth that was shown and let a house go to ruins like that is amazing. I understand the financial difficulty, but there has to be more mental illness than pride to live like that. Ask for help. I know it was the Hamptons, but they must have a food stamp office and assistance of some kind for people, even there. And once Jackie knew, she helped. I guess I just can’t wrap my head around how that happens. Such a removal from reality for these two women.

The film was great. The film was sad and depressing. Amazing performances by Barrymore and Lange.

imdb.com

Based on the life stories of the eccentric aunt and first cousin of Jackie Onassis (both named Edith Bouvier Beale aka “Big and Little Edie”) raised as Park Avenue débutantes but who withdrew from New York society, taking shelter at their Long Island summer home, “Grey Gardens.” As their wealth and contact with the outside world dwindled, so did their grasp on reality. They were reintroduced to the world when international tabloids learned of a health department raid on their home, and Jackie swooped in to save her relatives.