Classics: A Review of Grey Gardens By Lauren Ennis

Each year we devote one day to honoring the women who set us on our fist steps of life's journey; our mothers. For better or for worse our mothers shape who we are and inspire who we ultimately become. Few stories capture the impact of maternal love in all of its complexity as that of mother and daughter 'Big Edie' and 'Little Edie' Beale. The 1975 documentary Grey Gardens catapulted the duo to a fame bordering upon  notoriety the likes of which would not be seen again until the advent of reality television. The film depicted the pair in their full co-dependency and eccentricity but left viewers begging the question of how did these two women plummet from the echelons of high society to abject squalor. The 2009 HBO film Grey Gardens answers just that question and more as it relates a tale "oozing with romance, ghosts, and other things". 

Staunch women....S-T-A-U-N-C-H

The story begins in 1975 with mother and daughter living in squalor in their dilapidated Hamptons mansion. After the pair's famous cousin, Lee Radziwell, abandons her plan for a documentary chronicling the entire Bouvier clan, the film's makers Albert and David Maysles set their sights on the Beales. The Maysles see the bizarre existence of Big Edie and Little Edie as having cinematic potential and approach the pair about starring in their own documentary. The Edies gleefully accept the offer and begin the process of making the cult classic Grey Gardens. The series then flashes back to reveal the story behind the story as it chronicles Big Edie's fall from socialite to recluse and Little Edie's descent from daring debutante to repressed spinster. Over the ensuing decades the women endure disillusionment, heartbreak, and the torment of wondering what might have been, but through it all they remain devoted to one another and firm in their belief that "when we are together we know we are where we belong".

When HBO first announced their plans audiences wondered why the network would make a movie about two women who were already the subject of a documentary and a Tony Award winning Broadway musical. As soon as the film enters its first flashback to the 1930's, however, it becomes apparent that the original documentary only scratched the surface of the stranger than fiction story of the Beales. Through a series of flashbacks the film reveals how Big Edie and Little Edie began as a pair of endearingly eccentric socialites who personified the culture and class of pre-war high society. While the pair's lifestyle glittered to outsiders, however, the film reveals that behind closed doors the Beales' lives were less than golden. The film then goes on to chronicle the ways in which the women suffered personal heartbreaks, professional disappointments, and financial losses that upended their very existence. Even as they struggled to adjust to personal traumas the pair were set further adrift by the tumult of the Great Depression and World War II, which rendered the lives of leisure and luxury that they enjoyed obsolete. Rather than adapt to personal and social changes, however, mother and daughter retreated into  their relationship with each other until they became an entire world unto themselves. The film then follows the ways in which their relationship evolved from close to codependent with their bond playing the dual role of refuge and prison. Through its multi-faceted portrayal of the pair's unusual relationship the film offers a fascinating portrait of maternal love that is every bit as by turns  tragic, triumphant, and ultimately unforgettable as the Beales themselves. Make life a song this mother's day with Big Edie and Little Edie in Grey Gardens. 

Mother and I are very entertaining, that's true...

The stellar cast brings both the iconic scenes of the original documentary and the story behind the camera to vivid life. Malcolm Gets is a delight in his Gene Kelly-esque turn as Big Edie's best friend and piano instructor Gould. Ken Howard garners sympathy as practical and put upon Phelan Beale. Jeanne Tripplehorn imbues her performance as Jacqueline Kennedy with a world weariness, elegance, and mystique worthy of the iconic first lady. Daniel Baldwin strikes an ideal balance between sleaze and suave as Little Edie's married lover, Julius Krug. Arye Gross and Louis Ferreria aptly convey the Maysles' dismay and fascination as they witness Grey Gardens in all of its grotesque splendor. Even in the midst of an exemplary supporting cast Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore dominate the screen as Big Edie and Little Edie. During Big Edie's younger years Lange imbues her with a socialite's charisma while hinting at the mental illness and dependency lurking beneath the surface. As Big Edie ages Lange recreates scenes from the documentary with eerie accuracy without sacrificing any nuance or emotion. Barrymore is the ultimate ingenue in the scenes depicting Little Edie's youth as she perfectly captures Little Edie's eager naivete with infectious charm. In the scenes depicting Little Edie's later years Barrymore transitions to a darker, more complex performance as she effortlessly portrays the bitterness, regret, and longing of a woman whose life seems to have passed her by. Together the pair make a formidable team guaranteed to have viewers soft shoeing right along with them. 

HBO's Grey Gardens reveals the story behind the infamous cult classic documentary and pays apt homage to motherhood in all of its complexity and grey areas. The script offers valid insight into the inner workings of Big Edie and Little Edie and approaches both women with empathy without losing sight of their flaws. The performances revive scenes from the original documentary with eerie accuracy while still adding new depths to each of the characters. For the mother of all mother daughter tales enjoy tea for two with Big Edie and Little Edie at Grey Gardens.

A revolutionary costume

Classics: A Review of Gaslight By Lauren Ennis

Gaslighting is a term used to describe a form of psychological abuse in which a victim is deliberately and gradually manipulated into doubting their own sanity. The 1944 suspense drama Gaslight explores this phenomenon through its portrayal of a man's efforts to drive his wife out of her mind. Through its masterful blend of psychological thriller and character study the film takes viewers on a chilling journey to the brink of madness. For a film that just might leave you sleeping with the lights on turn on Gaslight.

But I thought that you said that the laptop wasn't Hunter's...

The story begins with British orphan Paula being sent abroad in the wake of her aunt's brutal murder. Years later, Paula is following in her aunt's footsteps as she trains for a career as an opera singer. Before she can take to the stage, however, she embarks upon a whirlwind romance with the mysterious Gregory. The two are quickly married and she reluctantly agrees to return to London with him to live in the very townhouse where her aunt was murdered. Soon after their arrival the couple's' marriage becomes strained as Gregory flirts with their maid and explores the city, while insisting that Paula stay at the house alone in order to calm her agitated nerves. When he is gone she notices a number of seemingly inexplicable phenomena occur throughout the house as portraits disappear, footsteps echo from the roof, and the gaslights dim and brighten of their own accord. While she struggles to find an explanation for these occurrences Gregory accuses her of absentmindedness, theft, and finally madness. What follows is a masterful game of cat and mouse as Paula fights her husband's machinations even as her sense of reason comes ever closer to unravelling. 

Gaslight offers a portrait of manipulation and madness so chilling that it has earned a place in the modern vernacular. While the plot focuses upon an abusive marriage, the film's depiction of psychological abuse applies equally well to machinations conducted by co-workers, friends, relatives, and even public institutions. Over the course of the past year the American public has been subjected gaslighting on a national scale. With the emergence of the coronavirus social media and legacy media colluded with health organizations such as the CDC, NIH, and WHO to form a narrative that would promote isolating lockdown policies, and dismiss China's role in the spread of the virus. Even now, as new data continues to emerge, the media relentlessly censors, de-platforms, and defames any private individuals, journalists, or even medical experts who dare to contradict the accepted narrative. In the midst of their distorted coverage of the pandemic big tech and the media subjected the public to even further manipulation by maintaining that the 2020 BLM and Antifa riots were "peaceful protests", and refusing to acknowledge the billions of dollars in damages and dozens of deaths that the riots left in their wake. This coverage sharply contrasted with that which was afforded to the January 6, 2021 riot in Washington D.C., which the media continues to insist was a massive insurrection that posed a direct threat to American democracy despite evidence to the contrary. Five months after the 2020 presidential election those who dare criticize election practices, let alone question election results, continue to be censored and denounced.  Meanwhile the media and big tech continue to engage in actively avoiding, distorting, and concealing the new administration's mounting scandals.

In each of these instances those who defy the accepted narrative are ostracized, censored, and denounced in a manner that is eerily similar to the ways in which Gregory isolates, silences, and dismisses Paula. In the midst of such relentless psychological abuse it is all too easy for Americans to find themselves emulating Paula by questioning their knowledge, beliefs, and even their own mental health. When Paula finally learns the truth about her husband she wearily notes that, "this will be a long night". Like Paula, America finds itself in a dark chapter to which there seems to be no end in sight. As Detective Cameron aptly observes, however, "It will end...when the sun rises sometimes it's hard to believe there ever was a night". This night too will eventually end, but in the meantime it is up to those of us with dissenting voices to make our voices heard and spread the light of the truth to guide our way through this darkness.

The film comes to eerie life thanks to the outstanding work of its cast. Barbara Everest infuses Gregory and Paula's cook, Elizabeth, with warmth and strength. Angela Lansbury (in her screen debut) steals each scene in which she appears in her charismatic turn as saucy maid Nancy. Joseph Cotton conveys intelligence, honesty, and charm as dogged detective Brian Cameron. Charles Boyer is the perfect blend of suave, sinister, and sleazy as treacherous Gregory. Ingrid Bergman more than earned her Best Actress Oscar in her portrayal of Paula's harrowing journey from vivacious young bride, to traumatized victim, to resilient survivor.

Gaslight leads viewers through a maze of deception that will take them to the edge of insanity and back again. The film's intricate plot presents audiences with a fascinating puzzle, while its dynamic characters lend drama that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The stellar cast shine in performances that remind us what was so classic about classic Hollywood. For a suspense drama that is sure to leave you guessing turn on Gaslight.

Classics: A Review of The Aristocats By Lauren Ennis

 A sudden change to an elderly matron's will, a sinister servant, and a mysterious disappearance set the stage for...a delightful children's film? Disney's 1970 madcap musical The Aristocats blends these elements with a toe-tapping score, enchanting animation, and a cast of colorful characters to create a film that is as light and enjoyable as a Parisian soufflé. Through its combination of mystery, adventure, and music the film offers a delightful slice of the city of lights that is guaranteed to leave even the dog lovers in the audience wanting to be a cat. For a film that is certain to show the whole family a swinging time join The Aristocats.

The story begins in 1910 Paris with Duchess and her three kittens, Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz, enjoying a life of luxury with their mistress, a retired opera singer known as Madame. To ensure that her feline friends are cared for in the event of her death, Madame bequeaths her entire estate to her cats with the intention that the cats' inheritance then be passed on to her butler, Edgar. When Edgar overhears this plan he decides that the lifespan of Duchess and the kittens is too long to wait for his share of the estate. He then hatches a plan to drug and drown the cats and stage a fake 'catnapping' to ensure that Madame does not suspect his involvement. Before he can carry out the final stage of his deadly plot, however, he is attacked by a pair of dogs. In the ensuing chaos he flees, leaving Duchess and her kittens alive, but stranded in the French countryside. Fortunately for the feline family, help soon arrives in the form of roguish alley cat Thomas O'Malley who offers to escort them home. The cats then embark upon an adventurous journey back to Paris with plenty of joie de vivre along the way.

The film's combination of dazzling visuals and dizzying jazz tunes brings Disney's whimsical vision of Paris to vibrant life. The film's animation captures the glamour of Paris and the charm of the French countryside with equal skill, and ensures that every frame of the cats' adventure is signature Disney. The animators portray the human and animal characters with realism while lending each character unique expression and style of movement. The soundtrack aptly propels the story forward while also revealing insight into each of the characters' distinct personalities. Each of the film's tunes contains an infectious quality that is guaranteed to leave viewers humming for days, with the swinging finale 'Everybody Wants To Be a Cat' maintaining a well earned place in the studio's storied songbook. To enjoy a feast for the eyes, ears, and ultimately the heart hit the road with The Aristocats.

The voice performances infuse the dialogue with an energy, humor, and emotion that ensure that each member of the colorful cast of characters virtually leaps off of the screen. Hermione Baddeley conveys Madame's sophisticated refinement with ease while still imbuing her with lovable quirkiness and warmth. Charles Lane is uproarious in his turn as Madame's eccentric attorney, Georges. Roddy Maude-Roxby strikes an ideal balance between menace and comedy as hapless villain Edgar. Gary Dubin, Liz English, and Dean Clark nearly steal the film in their endearing, but never cloying, turns as Duchess' precocious kittens Toulouse, Marie, and Berlioz. Eva Gabor personifies elegance in a vocal performance that exudes grace and charm while still conveying maternal warmth and dry wit. Phil Harris masterfully blends suave with swagger in his roguish turn as the alley cat with a heart of gold Thomas O'Malley. Together Harris and Gabor convey a chemistry so believable that it almost makes the viewer forget that they are rooting for a romance between a pair of cartoon cats. 

The Aristocats showcases some of the most charming, elegant, and ultimately heartwarming family entertainment ever put to celluloid. Through its captivating animation, catchy songs, and memorable characters the film treats the entire family to a fun filled adventure of the first order. To learn why everybody wants to be a cat join the hepcats of The Aristocats.