Grey Gardens is one of those inspirational phenomenons and with the launch of HBO's adaptation of the original 1975 documentary, Grey Gardens is just about to bloom in the heart of viewers. Grey Gardens is a true story of two woman, mother and daughter (Edith Bouvier Beale (senior) and Edith Bouvier Beale (Little Edie)), eccentric women who however related to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, manage to find themselves living within squalor, in the most unlikely place of the East Hampton's. Once wealthy aristocracy the mansion in which they reside was once beautiful however in the down turn of funds Edith and Little Edie find themselves within an eccentric paradise of wealth and ruins. Little Edie has inspired many in her eccentric style (inspiring such designers as John Galliano) of scarves upon the head, capes, and fur coats worn with swimming costumes. Whilst filming the 1975 documentary 'Big' Edie would reside herself to her bed wear she would be accompanied by many cats and her daughter would feed her ice cream and on occasion cat food although not to 'Big' Edie's awareness. The story is so unusual and fascinating in its oddity that its unsurprising that it has gone on to create so much influence within art, drama, fashion. I myself have been intrigued with the 'story' (it almost could be make-believe) for a few years since hearing about it, so was excited upon hearing about the re-make, starring Drew Barrymore. I was not disappointed.
Airing on 18th April, HBO have done a great job of filling in the background of the pairs life, contrasting the riches with the ageing crumbling of their life. We are able to see Little Edie as an almost starlet, wowing a top director in New York, her spirit and optimism seeping out in waves that cant help but make anyone smile. She is held back by her decadent mother however who is happier to stay in 'Grey Gardens' (the mansion in the East Hampton's) throwing parties and having affairs with the music teacher, which ultimately leads to Little Edie's downfall. The end however is more optimistic and happier than all this might sound however I wont give that away for you!
What inspired me most from the film was the incredible way Drew Barrymore portrayed Little Edie, a certain sensibility that is understanding to the viewer mixed with a child-like attitude that is endearing. She showed so much energy and passion for what she wanted that I think should illustrate a point to all of us. The film has a great of sartorialist style which has now left lusting over Little Edie's 'hay-day' frocks, bags and that beautiful hat in the first photo above.
I highly recommend anyone this film even if you had never heard of the Beale's tale until now.
p.s:There will be a collage to follow once I am back to my own laptop!
That sounds amazing! Great to hear from you! What was she like in real life? How well did the HBO film illustrate her character?
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