Grey Gardens

Grey Gardens
1975
Directed by Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Ellen Hovde, Muffie Meyer



SYNOPSIS

The far beyond-eccentric aunt and cousin of Jackie Kennedy are profiled in this documentary as they live together in their decaying mansion, with cats, raccoons, fleas and plenty of filth.



MY THOUGHTS

It's hard to look away from this voyeuristic view of two crazy women.

The mother and daughter's relationship is definitely a love-hate one. Despite the mother being nearly bed-ridden, they take care of each other like co-dependents. It's rare that anyone from the outside world comes into their lives.
I pity these two for not getting professional help because they're obviously mentally ill, and living in such deplorable conditions.
But, I guess they are admirable for living life they way they want to, even if it's that far from the norm.
I couldn't look away from the film... not knowing what the two would do next.

Many have called this film 'poignant' but I don't see it.
The filmmakers seem to be completely exploiting the two, always showing them at their worst... yelling at each other... bickering... spouting nonsense or goofy philosophies. I find it hard to believe they would act that way 24/7, even if mentally ill. There would be at least some moments of clarity.

Despite the film's exploitative-ness, it is still a fascinating film.