The Queen of Versailles
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The Queen of Versailles

The Queen of Versailles follows the lives of David and Jackie Siegel, a billionaire couple who embark on an ambitious project to build the largest single-family home in America. The 90,000-square-foot mansion, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, becomes a symbol of their extravagant lifestyle and the excesses of the American Dream.

As the documentary unfolds, it captures the Siegels at the height of their wealth, showcasing their opulent lifestyle and seemingly limitless resources. David Siegel, the founder of Westgate Resorts, a successful timeshare company, and his wife Jackie, a former beauty queen, appear to have it all. Their family of eight children enjoys a life of luxury, complete with nannies, household staff, and endless material possessions.

However, the 2008 financial crisis dramatically alters their circumstances. The real estate bubble bursts, and Westgate Resorts faces severe financial difficulties. The Siegels are forced to confront the harsh realities of economic downturn, leading to layoffs, budget cuts, and the halting of construction on their dream home.

The film provides an intimate look at how the family copes with their changing fortunes. Jackie struggles to adapt to a more modest lifestyle, while David becomes increasingly withdrawn as he fights to save his business empire. Their children and household staff also grapple with the new economic reality, offering diverse perspectives on the family’s situation.

Throughout The Queen of Versailles, themes of wealth, excess, and the American Dream are explored against the backdrop of a nation in financial turmoil. The unfinished Versailles mansion serves as a poignant metaphor for the family’s journey and the broader economic challenges faced by many Americans during this period.

The documentary concludes with the Siegels’ future uncertain, their once-grand plans for Versailles in limbo, and their lifestyle significantly altered. It presents a compelling portrait of a family caught between two worlds, offering a unique perspective on the impact of the financial crisis on even the wealthiest Americans.

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