For the love of all things vintage, clever, designed, and/or delicious, we celebrate objects and rituals in all their glory!

3.19.2009

HBO's Grey Gardens



Just saw the trailer of the HBO version of "Grey Gardens" starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore. (Playing April 18) I have to say that was a little skeptical when I first heard that Drew Barrymore was playing Little Edie...not because I don't like her, it's just that she typically plays the ditsy sweet girl in most movies. So it was hard to picture her playing the eccentric & carefree (and somewhat delusional) Little Edie. But after watching the trailer with scenes of Little Edie talking about her costumes, I was surprised by how much Drew Barrymore spoke and acted like the real Little Edie. I'm actually curious to watch the HBO version. It's a fictional film depicting their lives before and after the original documentary....definitely more like a typical dramatized story, but curious nonetheless. There's even one of the Baldwin brothers! I just can't remember his name...do they have any names besides Alec? :P
The Original 1975 documentary is a must-see. It's a true all-American tale depicting the daily lives of two relatives of Jacki O after they lost their wealth. Big Edie and Little Edie lived in a decrepit manor living amongst dozens of stray cats and wild raccoons. They live their lives remember their glamorous past in the crumbling house of East Hampton.

Watch the original trailer below:


Since the film, Little Edie's sense of style has served as inspirations in the fashion world. Designers like Laurie Foon , Todd Oldham, and beyond has used Edie's mix-match technique, her color pallet, and her signature head wrap in their collections.
I found these fashion spread (via Zoom Zoom) referencing scenes from Grey Gardens. I really like the soft and the dreamy feel of these shots.So, here's Little Edie's best fashion tip. “The best thing is to wear pantyhose or some pants under a short skirt, I think. You have the pants under the skirt and then you can pull the stockings up over the pants underneath the skirt. And you can always take off the skirt and use it as a cape. So, I think this is the best costume for today. I have to think these things up, you know..."

Now I just have to go bribe someone with HBO to watch the movie now.

11 comments:

Wooly Bison said...

I didn't realize it would only be on HBO - lame!

Chika said...

I know! I can't wait to see all the glamourous clothing of their early years... Tea forrr twooo, and twoo forr Tea...

Makes me want to go boil some corn in the bedroom.

Chika said...

I just reread that last line - and it sounds kind of gross in a dirty way - not just gross in the unhygenic-food-prep way I intended.

My apologies to the L&G readers.

Jean said...

corn in bed? boiling? dirty? NAH....no need to apologize. I say you go around telling everyone that if you feel like it! ;D

kate oates said...

Thank you for posting this! I just put Grey Gardens at the top of my Netflix queue...and I added the HBO version to my queue for whenever it comes out.

jamie said...

jean, thanks for this post!! i have been wanting to be little edie for halloween for years (it would be such an easy costume and SO fund acting like her all night). i just can't seem to convince brian to be big edie.

*huh-rumph*

Coco Cake Land said...

woh. yes, when i heard about this movie i was like NOOOOOOO! obvi i will have to see it though... ! doesn't look as horrible as i was fearing!!

PeppermintDaydreams said...

i'll have to high-jack HBO myself...
i'm anxious to see the scripted version, but i'm still not sold on the whole idea of it. it better be good! :)
-Christy Z

lucitebox said...

I'm in avoidance mode. I couldn't bring myself to click on the previews of the new dramatization of the documentary. I don't know what the point of the new film might be.

I guess I'm going to have to reconsider this. I will tell you that your post inspired me to write about the original film on my blog earlier this week. I'll probably write about it again because it's been on my mind a lot. 'Til then, I hover my mouse over the file of the preview, unsure that I'll click it.

Chicka--you've just invented the best euphemism ever.

V said...

just one more show making me seriously consider HBO...

abby said...

I am so in love with Grey Gardens but I must admit Drew Barrymore makes me want to hurl so I guess I'll be sitting this one out. If you get a chance to see it and love it-let us know! Hope you guys are having a great weekend.