If you’re familiar with the documentary Grey Gardens, you’re probably aware that it is arguably one of the most iconic American documentaries in cinema’s history.
The story of an eccentric mother and daughter- Big and Little Edie Beale- who removed themselves from high society living to live together in an unusual yet loving codependent relationship, would eventually become the subject of the documentary Grey Gardens. The film’s cult following in its devoted fan base would soon spark TV movies, numerous parodies, and perfect Halloween costumes. This Friday, fans of Grey Gardens can go behind the scenes of the East Hampton estate where they lived in never before seen footage, which includes appearances by Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, and Mick Jagger in the film, That Summer.
The film opens slowly. Using entirely archival footage, we spend the first five minutes with photographer Peter Beard as he recounts stories while flipping through the pages of his photo book, the most interesting being anecdotes of hanging out with Warhol and Jagger during the Studio 54 era. Through all of the glitz and glamour that Beard had photographed over the years, we find that- for all of their peculiarities- there was no subject quite like the Beales. Beard, along with his friend Lee Radziwill (a cousin of Edith and Edie Beale) would decide to chronicle the moments of their odd living at the place where they lived, the crumbling Grey Gardens estate, during one summer in 1972. The initial purpose of the film was to show how the East Hampton economy had changed over the years, and the run-down decrepit mansion was the perfect location.
…a fascinating collection of hilariously observed moments.
However, after spending the summer with Radziwill and the Beales, the project was ultimately shelved. A few years later directing duo Albert and David Maysles went back to visit Edith and Edie, and the outcome of their visit resulted in the iconic and infamous documentary, Grey Gardens. 45 years later, the original footage of Beard’s summer with the Beales (close to four rolls) went on to become That Summer.
That Summer is a small, quiet documentary that should excite fans of the Beales. Between Big Edie singing opera in her oversized armchair, to Little Edie claiming that her cat with an eye disorder is the spitting image of Teddy Kennedy, the film is a fascinating collection of hilariously observed moments. With a runtime of 80 minutes, That Summer may confuse or be slightly off-putting to those who aren’t already used to the nonsensical style of Grey Gardens or are expecting a documentary with a clear story with plot points, arc, or direction. However, fans will be thrilled with the access to this never before seen footage that amplifies the eccentricity of the Beale women (who were also cousins of Jackie O.).
Did we really need another documentary about the wildly wonderful Beales? Proving that there is never too much of a good thing, director Göran Olsson (The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975) creates the perfect prequel to Grey Gardens with this documentary. Both Beales have since passed but their memory will continue to live on in this iconic footage.
‘That Summer’ is not rated. 8 0minutes. Opening in select theaters this Friday.
