Portrait Films
Directed by: Albert & David Maysles
Synopsis: The Maysles Brothers’ memorable documentary about Edith Bouvier Beale and Edith ‘Little Edie’ Bouvier Beale, Jacqueline Kennedy’s aunt and cousin, who lived together in the dilapidated mansion Grey Gardens in East Hampton.
Reality Cats: This film is fascinating, disturbing, amusing and depressing all at the same time. The unique relationship between the two reclusive women goes from supportive to volatile every other scene. But cat lovers will find this hard to watch because the women live a hoarder’s existence and like so many hoarders they own countless cats who also live among the filth.
The cats are a constant presence in the film. They are seen wandering both inside and outside the house.
Most of the film is spent in Edith’s bedroom where countless cats seem to be present. The cats defecate around the room, sometimes on newspapers, sometimes not.
It’s clear the cats are in poor condition with ailments and problems. This film is an unblinking look at what continues to be a serious problem now, cat hoarding.
Final Mewsings: People have the choice to live like this. Cats don’t.
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