Criterion Collection: Grey Gardens & Beales of [DVD] [1976] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Much of the film's pathos is magnified by the mother and daughter relationship which is compelling. Whilst we may feel sorry for each at times it is hard to see whether either has chosen their path in life or whether it has been layed out by circumstances. Little Edie, once a very intelligent and stunning young woman feels she has sacrificed her life and potential career as an entertainer, to look after her mother. Big Edie, also once a stunning woman, was disinherited due to her aspirations to become a singer, and after her divorce retreated to her sea-side estate to spend the rest of her days. Both women are extremely co-dependent, but in spite of their inherent needs to look after each other, Little Edie is the most resentful and happily reminds both her mother and the viewer of this. Both dominated by strict, critical male figures in their pasts, now enjoy a sense of freedom and independence in their solitude, even if it comes at the expense of their social inclusion.

This is a complex narrative, and it unfolds with intelligent, and often hilarious dialogue from both Big and Little Edie. Little Edie's improvised (due to their lack of money) fashion is truly "revolutionary" and has been copied and imitated by several designers. Her naivite at times, is fascinating especially when donning her outfits, she flirts with male onlookers! She proclaims herself to be the "greatest dancer in the world" yet alone in the house with her mother, their is no other audience for her to creatively conquer. We watch her, and we are captivated by her, and we accept what she tells us, because she is so emotive and honest.

This has to be one of the greatest films I have ever seen - one wouldn't think that you could capture such beauty, laughter and sadness in a documentary! The underlying truth of 'Grey Gardens' is that it highlights for the viewer the choices made or not made, both for us and by us.