Grey Gardens

This rather low-key TV movie from HBO is pure proof that even modest films can reach deep into the viewer's subconscious and stick deep in the memory. For me, at least, it worked. Grey Gardens is the story of two women who couldn't exist without each other, even though they often argued and blamed each other. They lived their own lives in a rundown house with cats and raccoons for company, and were simply cut off from the outside world – until the Maysles brothers came along to make a documentary about these two admirable women. The film takes place in several parallel time periods, but it is the last one that is the most compelling of all. The two leads, Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore, give incredibly convincing performances. The costumes, the make-up, the sets, the music, the cinematography - everything was perfect and completely appropriate to the genre. In short, a wonderful piece of filmmaking, and I felt an unimaginable wave of happiness and joy at the end (despite the sadly tuned storyline). (11/12/2011)

A documentary-like precise biopic drama from the world of HBO which always manages to tell an interesting story from another time with quality acting performances. I actually don’t remember it being different. But usually, the topics are rather American and they mean nothing to a European. So all that remains is to watch the historical accuracy and quality acting performances. And I have to say that Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange really relished their roles here. And they were also the main reason why I watched the movie. (05/25/2016)