Movie Review: Grey Gardens

Grey Gardens

Starring:

Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore

In some strange way, I really liked this movie. It was so eccentric, it was almost beautiful...except for the fact it was so pathetic it made you hurt inside. Grey Gardens is the name of the estate Big Edie and Little Edie, aunt and niece of Jackie O, live at. They begin the movie full of life and spunk, though often they don't make a lot of sense. Little Edie, especially, is so quirky its almost hard to believe she could be a real character. Drew is somehow luminous despite Little Edie's insanity, and plays her character phenomenally.

The ladies are painful to watch. They're blind, silly women, and half of me was furious with them. But on the other hand...somehow...on the other hand, they are so original. Maybe it was their love for music, or their ridiculous flamboyant outfits. You can't hep but care about them.

Its a crumbling story that follows Big and Little Edie as their lives absolutely disintegrate. Nothing ever really happens- in fact, most of the movie they stay hidden away in Grey Gardens as it turns into a hell hole. They are stuck in the past, stuck with their hurts, and not even sure how to honestly help each other. Big Edie's cheating husband separates from her, and Little Edie cannot find a man she loves more than she loves dancing (which, by the way, she is sadly and sweetly horrible at). As they both go into old age, eccentric is really the only way to describe them.

Three things make this movie fascinating: One, it is a true story, based on all events of these women's lives and a documentary made about them. If it had not been real, it would have been ridiculous. But the fact that it was real made it heartwrenching. Two, the music is tender and old fashioned and whimsical. I absolutely loved the soundtrack-it was so emotional, and so fitting. Some of the best scenes are Big Edie singing, and begging Little Edie to "soft shoe." Finally, I loved the crazy bravery of Little Edie. Her facial espressions, movements, talking voice, ideas, outfits-everything was just a little off. It was captivating.

Its over, and I still can't tell you if I loved it or hated it. But watch it- i promise its strangely moving, and it'll give you plenty to think about, and some sweet melodies.