That Summer

That Summer offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the eccentric Beale family, providing a fascinating prequel to the cult classic documentary Grey Gardens. Set in 1972, it presents recently unearthed footage that sheds new light on the infamous mother-daughter duo, Edith “Big Edie” Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale.

The project was initiated by Lee Radziwill (the sister of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and a cousin to the Beales) and photographer Peter Beard. Their original intention was to create a piece about East Hampton, but they became captivated by the unique personalities of Big Edie and Little Edie. The footage, long believed to be lost, captures the Beales in their dilapidated mansion, Grey Gardens, before the creation of the renowned 1975 work that would later immortalize them.

The film transports us to a world frozen in time, where the once-grand Grey Gardens has fallen into disrepair, mirroring the faded glamour of its inhabitants. It presents an intimate portrait of the Beales, showcasing their eccentric lifestyle, complex relationship, and the peculiar charm that would later make them cult figures. Through candid conversations and everyday interactions, we gain insight into the unique dynamic between mother and daughter, their shared history, and the circumstances that led to their isolated existence.

One notable aspects of the film is its ability to capture the essence of memory and the passage of time. Peter Beard’s reflections on the past, interspersed throughout, add depth to the narrative and provide context for the Beales’ situation. His musings on the impermanence of memory and the importance of preserving moments through photography resonate deeply with the overall theme.

The piece also touches on the renovation efforts at Grey Gardens, supervised by Lee Radziwill, which were prompted by complaints from local officials about the Beales’ living conditions. This aspect of the story adds a layer of tension and highlights the clash between the Beales’ unconventional lifestyle and societal expectations.

While That Summer stands on its own as a compelling work, it inevitably draws comparisons to “Grey Gardens.” It serves as a valuable companion piece, offering additional context and a different perspective on the Beales’ story. It allows us to see the women before they became the iconic figures immortalized in the later work, providing a more nuanced understanding of their circumstances and personalities.

The documentary’s structure, which presents the original footage with minimal editorial interference, allows the Beales’ personalities to shine through unfiltered. This approach creates a sense of immediacy and authenticity, immersing us in the world of Grey Gardens as it existed in 1972.