It was a story made for cinema – two cousins of the world’s most glamorous woman Jackie Onassis living a reclusive life of squalor and eccentricity in a tumble down, decrepit mansion in Long Island, New York – who let a documentary team capture their surreal daily lives in 1975. Despite living an isolated life, ‘Little Edie’ Beale became a cult heroine – due to her remarkable rags-to-riches story and impeccable glamour – with fur coats, swimwear and headscarves all daily wardrobe fixtures.
And now, the story is being retold, starring the brilliant Drew Barrymore as ‘Little Edie’ and Jeanne Tripplehorn as Jacqueline Kennedy in a film for pioneering network HBO. Airing last week, the film received rave reviews – depicting Edie’s life from childhood through to the filming of the documentary which would eventually change her life. Drew has been praised by critics for her ‘fearless performance’ of the mysterious socialite – capturing both Edie’s sincere vulnerability and steely determination throughout the documentary.
Benefiting from hindsight, Grey Gardens 2009, brings a new objective perspective to this fascinating story – delving into the motivations, personal lives and realities of this fascinating women.
Not to be missed.
