hbo’s Grey Gardens… not feeling the “cats meow” like most of my friends…
After viewing only the HBO version of this story, I am not awfully sure why two imbycillic women were so revered. In my own defense, I read a bit about them AFTER watching and BEFORE writing this, but I have to say, still not “getting it!” Why two lazy women with use of all their limbs and their minds and the ability to clean up after themselves would let a home crumble around them and not once look for a job to help themselves is not admirable. Maybe I don’t realize that that was the fascination of this whole story, THEY WOULDN’T help themselves and that therefore is THE STORY? Perhaps, but I didn’t find it charming, I found it rather pathetic and absurd! I will more than likely watch the original documentary because I cannot believe that MOST of my friends and I disagree about the “charm” of this story. I will TRY again, but don’t think I will come around. I found their singing and dancing annoyingly corny, and their laziness distasteful. Feel free to comment to try to induce some sympathy or understanding from me or disclose the hidden charm that I cannot seem to find in this story. One good thing about the HBO special; the acting by Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange was impeccable!
I think it’s two-fold. They were woman of society back in the 30’s and 40’s who ended up alone and only had each other. The mother was over bearing and the daughter felt compelled to help her out giving up her own life.
I think what’s the most fascinating part about them is their unwilling to give up the past which is why they are the way they are. In a word, looney.
You must see the original documentary and you’ll be amazed how well they were portrayed – especially Drew. It’s one of those things, were you can’t look away and a huge curiosity draws over you. I think they are very interesting people, as strange as they are.