RIP Albert Maysles

[DRW50]

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/03/06/documentary-filmmaker-albert-maysles-dies-at-88

A talented man in many ways, but I'll always be grateful to Albert and his brother for this:

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Here's a phone call he and Little Edie had in 2001.

http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/03/grey-gardens-little-edie-phone-call

[DramatistDreamer]

I remember seeing Grey Gardens. Astonishing film, astonishing characters...they were real people but boy were they characters! No wonder it made such a great play. The interplay and dynamic between the mother and daughter could fill an encyclopedia size pyschology book and the Maysles were adept at capturing it without a hint of judgement.

You wanted to spend time with them but not too much time. And yes, that house...that house. was. worrisome.

Just fascinating.

Did you know they had opened up a cinema in Harlem?

[DRW50]

I didn't. Is it still open?

They were accused of exploiting Little Edie and Big Edie, but Little Edie adored them and remained in contact with them. And for all the mockery from some, the documentary treated her with respect. If it didn't she never would have become a cult figure.

It's a beautiful work...the scenes of her at the beach always make me feel so sad. Yet for all the sorrow of lost potential, she did live ultimately get to live life on her terms, and got the fame she wanted.