MovieChat Forums > Grey Gardens (1975) Discussion > Do we all have a little bit of GG in us?

Do we all have a little bit of GG in us?


What I found particularly disturbing about watching this was that I bet that a camera focused on any two people living together will pick up some of this kind of stupid bickering and boring talk that would look particularly GG on camera. Not the way out there stuff, like LIttle E's costumes and dancing and all, and not the filth, etc., but other things like listening to a radio (TV), looking at photos, or arguing about this and that -- and in fact, after watching about a half hour of GG, I took a break and was sitting at a table with my grown son, and suddenly I was experiencing our conversation in a wholly new and depressing way.
(PS haven't finished the movie, just part way through, so this may only apply possibly to the first half--?)

reply

The Maysles always said that at its heart, Grey Gardens was a film about a mother/daughter relationship. It's also about codependence, and in the commentary track one of the editors talks about how David Maysles in particular saw similarities between the two Edies and his own relationship with his older brother. It's perhaps not a coincidence that both brothers, who had been bachelors into their 40's, married their wives not long after shooting the film.

Don't let it depress you. It's beautiful film about two amazingly strong - dare I say revolutionary? - women who refused to play by the rules set by their class and society in general. Big Edie is hilarious in her spot-on observations and Little Edie's eccentric charm is irresistible.

I'll admit I had to see it three times to really "get it", but now that I do, I'm eternally grateful to the Maysles for finding these women and letting us get to know them.

reply

I just have to say, I find your post very poetic. Not sure I agree totally, but poetic nonetheless. I've seen it one time and perhaps the novelty and semblance is lost on me until I view it again. Your post inspired me to do so.

If you're not responding to me, "reply" to the post you're responding to. kthanks.

reply