A movie created to answer the question that crosses the mind of every viewer of the documentary Grey Gardens (1976), "How did big and little Edie end up like this?" Sucsy tries to do this by presenting two parallel story lines; one of a younger mother and daughter trying to find their place in the world, and another of the lost, skipping records they become.
While it is shocking and quaint to see these beloved actors (Lange and Barrymore) bicker like the duo from the famous documentary, it is redundant to the veteran film buff, and confusing to the modern television watcher. Instead of a compelling biopic, Sucsy relies on the the fame of the 1976 documentary, and the assumption that all audience members have seen it. However the writing doesn't magically improve if you've had the honor of previously seeing the documentary. This film uses the same emotions and realizations one would have while watching the original, but adds the glitz and glamour of show business that was absent, and frankly unnecessary in creating the weight of the documentary.
Excellent performances from Barrymore and Lange, accompanied by visually pleasing and creative costuming are somewhat wasted on a half written film. Entertaining at least but had little to give beyond that.
Review of Grey Gardens
