The Beales of Grey Gardens

The Beales of Grey Gardens is a fascinating and poignant documentary released in 2006 that brings to the viewer the unique and enigmatic lives of two women: mother and daughter Edith Bouvier Beale and Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale. These two women, affectionately referred to as "Big Edie" and "Little Edie," are the aunt and the first cousin of former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. They reside in East Hampton's aristocratic area, inside a decaying 28-room mansion called Grey Gardens.

This extraordinary documentary, directed by the Maysles brothers, Albert Maysles and David Maysles, forms a sequel to their 1975 documentary also titled "Grey Gardens." It constitutes "forgotten footage" – material that was not included in the original film. When viewed together, the original and the sequel offer an expansive and intimate portrait of this unique Mother-Daughter duo, their unconventional lifestyle, and the distinctive setting that surrounds them.

Bringing out the twin aspects of decay and permanence, The Beales of Grey Gardens is an exploration into an eccentric world which appears frozen in time, amplifying the themes of the enduring bonds of family, the struggle against conventional societal norms, and the strength of personal expression. Combined, these provide a captivating sociological and psychological view of a unique lifestyle within the elite northeastern American social strata.

In this film, viewers gain intimate access into the Beales' daily lives, their eccentricities, and their complex relationship. The Beales come off as intensely original and utterly human, offering candid and often unexpected perspectives on life, love, and their struggling lifestyle. Big Edie, a singer in her younger years, is mostly seen either in bed or on her twin chaise lounge in the living room, sharing her views on life, motherhood, and reminiscing about her past. Little Edie, enigmatic yet always dramatic, continually strikes poses like a runway model and offers monologues on a range of topics including her romantic past, philosophy, and her relationship with her mother.

The decaying Grey Gardens mansion features prominently in the film. Once a splendid manifestation of the American high life, it now mirrors the Beales' own retreat from society into seclusion. Despite its dilapidated state, the mansion carries an undeniably regal aura that reflects the residents' past prosperity and present isolation. The house is as much a central character in this story as the Beales themselves, symbolizing not just their physical living conditions, but also their mental and emotional states.

Beyond the Beales and their intriguing lives, the movie underscores the communication between the filmmaker and the subject. As much as the Beales reveal about their lives, the camera also uncovers their charmingly whimsical world. The filmmakers Albert and David Maysles demonstrate deft human understanding, capturing raw, spontaneous moments that present their subjects truthfully - sometimes endearing, often messy, but always real. The documentary also highlights the unmistakable bond of trust and understanding that developed between the Beales and the Maysles as they were allowed immersive access into the lives of the Beales.

The Beales of Grey Gardens doesn’t provide the full backstory of the Beales or their gradual decline. It doesn't pretend to fully understand or explain its subjects. Instead, it offers a glimpse – raw, unfiltered, and fascinating – into a world that may be different from ours, but remains undeniably engaging due to its human central characters.

In its stark realism, depiction of poignant human struggle, and unfiltered gaze into enduring eccentricity, The Beales of Grey Gardens stands as an artistic meditation on isolation, unconventionality, and the complexities of familial relationships. The film leaves the viewers with no easy answers but allows them to sympathize and connect with these extraordinary women, making it a truly memorable and human documentary. Whether you're familiar with the first Grey Gardens film or new to the strange world of the Beales, this film is bound to captivate with its compelling cinematic vision and thought-provoking insights.