Next Tuesday at the Filmhuis Cavia we will present this classic of documentary cinema.... simply one of the most bizarre, unique and eccentric films ever made. I should also note that this will be the last Cavia screening that I will be programming until after the summer break in September, so hope you can make it to this supremely special film!

TUESDAY JUNE 30

GREY GARDENS (1975)
Directed by Ellen Hovde and Albert Maysles
100 minutes
In English with English subtitles

Gray Gardens is the name of a neglected, sprawling estate gone to ruin. The crumbling mansion was home to Edith Bouvier Beale, also known as \"Big Edie,\" and her daughter, \"Little Edie.\" The East Hampton home became the center of quite a scandal when it was revealed in 1973 that the reclusive aunt and cousin to Jackie Onassis were living in a state of utter poverty and filth. That\'s the background to this 1976 film portrait by cinéma vérité pioneers Albert and David Maysles, but it\'s only incidental to the fascinating story they discover inside the estate walls.

The two Edies have lived in almost complete seclusion since the mid-1950s, ever since Big Edie\'s husband abandoned her and Little Edie (then a young socialite on the verge of a dancing career) was called home to care for her depressed mother. Twenty years later they continue to live in their memories while camped out in a single bedroom of the 28-room mansion overrun with cats and raccoons.

It would have been easy for this film to make fun of these two amazing women, but instead the Maysles brothers created a sensitive portrait which is both lyrical and mind-boggling. Five years after they made Gimme Shelter the Maysles unveiled this intimate documentary of bizarre and poetic dimensions, which has become a cult classic and changed the direction of documentary film making.

By the way, because this film exposed Little Edie to the larger world, directly after this film came out she became in vogue and was suddenly established as a fashion icon whose eccentric clothing and style would have an influence on the world of fashion.

Ciné INTERZONE Film Club
Filmhuis Cavia - Van Hallstraat 52-B
Time: 20:30

Cine Interzone: International cult, alternative, and obscure films, always with English subtitles.
Important films which are unavailable or rarely - if ever - shown in the Netherlands.
Screenings include a brief live introduction, served with passion...
Nightly membership- 3 Euros Filmhuis CAVIA is a non-profit volunteer organization committed to the importance of cinema



How to respond / more information
You must log in to respond