The Beales of Grey Gardens

About The Beales of Grey Gardens

"The Beales of Grey Gardens" is a 2006 documentary film directed by Albert Maysles, David Maysles and Ian Markiewicz. It is a follow-up to the 1975 film "Grey Gardens" and brings us back to the eccentric world of Edith "Big Edie" Ewing Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale. This documentary uniquely captures the unconventional life of the mother and daughter who lived in a decrepit East Hampton mansion known as Grey Gardens.

Making / Production

Albert and David Maysles originally filmed the Beales in the 1970s, intending to make a documentary about the aristocratic decline. However, much of the material ended up being unused. But, with "The Beales of Grey Gardens," the brothers revisited this footage, introducing audiences to more intimate aspects of the Beales' lives that the first film did not cover.

Actors

• Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale playing herself, she brings an accentuated vivacity and passionate portrayal of the eccentric life she leads along with her mother.
• Edith Bouvier Beale, playing herself, gives a lively and spontaneous account of her life that makes the documentary interesting to watch.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Beales are the aunt and cousin of former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
• Several scenes from the original Grey Gardens were recreated in the sequel to give a deeper understanding of the Beales' life.
• The documentary brings to light some unseen footage from the original 1975 film.

Awards

The film, while critically acclaimed for its compelling portrayal of the Beales, did not garner any specific awards.

Quotes

• "It's very difficult to keep the line between the past and the present." - Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale
• "I only care about three things: the Catholic Church, swimming and dancing." - Edith Bouvier Beale

Music, Soundtrack

• The film is largely devoid of music, barring the occasional singing of 'Little Edie' captivating viewers with an unmissable rawness and sincerity.