There's No Place like Home...

Grey Gardens is definitely an "acquired taste," but once you get past the first shocking sip you are left with something which is purely vintage. It took me two doses, the documentary and then the HBO movie to confirm, to myself, that I am a true fan of the two Edies. Both films show the complex relationship of a mother and daughter in their co-dependency, but more so, how social class and traditions can thwart dreams. Despite their eccentricity, or perhaps because of it, the two women easily captivate the audience. They confidently tell their story, while their home decays behind them. Perhaps the house is a reflection of their dying dreams; regardless, they have a joie de vivre that is infectious. My favorite line is when Little Edie states how "the relatives didn't know that they were dealing with a staunch character," while her accent cements the point. A true fashion original; she continually reinterprets her wardrobe. She even dresses up the plain towel on her head with a magnificent broach! No doubt both the mother and daughter are performers. It is only natural that they finally have their moment to shine, even if they are considered the "black sheep" on the Bouvier family tree.