Grey Gardens (DVD, 2009)

This is a great TV movie. The story of Big and Little Edie Beal is poignantly told, and brilliantly performed by it's two leads, Drew Barrymore (yes, Drew Barrymore) and Jessica Lang.

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This version is worth watching. It shows more history of the two women in more youthful times. Jessica Lange looks just like the older mother.

I purchased Grey Gardens the movie because I am a Grey Gardens fan. I had not read any of the reviews prior to the movie and was excited when I was able to purchase on E-bay. That was great!! Of course, I watched the movie with the Directors/Producers commentary first. Then when I just watched the movie, I was glad that I watched the commentary first. Especially if you are a fan and know some of the background concerning The Beales. That was essential in understanding some of the differences from the official documentary. I loved the acting on the part of Ms. Lange and Barrymore! Wonderful "staunch characters" themselves to take on this project and pull it off so magnificently!!

Thirty-five years after the Maysles brothers' famed documentary of the same name, GREY GARDENS offers a wry, behind the scenes look at "BIG EDIE" and "LITTLE EDIE" Bouvier Beale, two charming eccentrics who were relatives of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis and inhabitants of a decaying mansion in the Hamptons. DREW BARRYMORE and JESSICA LANGE star as the reclusive mother and daughter whose unconventional tastes and social rebellion transcended public opinion and forged a unique and unbreakable bond. Told over a span of four decades, the film, directed by MICHAEL SUCSY from a script written by SUCSY and PATRICIA ROZEMA, focuses on their glamorous and well-heeled lives long before the making of the documentary and on the circumstances behind their riches to rags story.

For those that know the original documentaries, this film will be an amazing insite into their lives outside what was shown there.
Sometimes Drew Barrymore, as Little Edie, is Drew Barrymore playing Little Edie, but a number of times you can spot the work she put into the research. Now Jessica Lang on the other hand - amazing! You cannot tell where Jessica stops and the original older Edie begins! She has imersed herself into the character and proves what a great actress she is.
A few plot questions compared to the documentaries and even the musical, but it's the connection of these two women that drives the movie!
This is a great companion piece to the others, but hope this means they won't film the musical.
*SPOILER* One scene where the Health Inspectors invade their world will get you choked up. Just keep your eyes on Miss Lang and keep the Kleenex handy.