Lately, I cannot get enough of Grey Gardens. In fact, I’m a bit disappointed in myself for not knowing about this documentary and, years later, the movie about Big and Little Edie Beale.
The documentary has become a cult classic – especially for those in the fashion industry. Little Edie is world known for her “best costume for the day” quote, however, one should not just settle for that little bit of eccentric wisdom. Rather, one should watch both Grey Gardens and The Beales of Grey Gardens for what they will find is hours of incredible footage, wit and wisdom.
After watching both documentaries (twice), I decided to have MiniMe watch them with me over the holidays. I’ve had her watch shows like these with me before, in an attempt to provide a tangential learning experience, per say. Other films I’ve had her watch include Mommie Dearest, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? and Rocky Horror Picture Show. In addition to being cult classics, these films/documentaries provide great life lessons.
For example, in Mommie Dearest, one learns the importance of not using wire hangers and tweezing one’s eyebrows. In Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, one learns age is not always kind, nor is jealousy. In Rocky Horror Picture Show, one learns the value of AAA and wearing clean underwear.
In Grey Gardens, one learns “There are some nice people in the world, you know, I just don’t happen to be related to any of them;” not wearing clothes for two years may cause weight gain; “You get very independent when you live alone. You get to be a real individual;” and calling out “Mother, darling…” is totally different from referring to your mother as ‘Mommie Dearest.’