Movie: The Queen of Versailles
My Rating: 3 stars
I’m not quite sure why I wanted to see this movie. This is a documentary that investigates the
lavish lifestyle of timeshare billionaires David and Jackie Siegel. It was meant to capture all the ridiculous
details of their new personal real estate project—Versailles (designed after the Paris casino in Las Vegas)—which was set to
have been have been the largest personal residence in existence. But unexpectedly, the cameras were also there
to catch the beginning of the decline of their vast empire as credit dried up
during the economic crisis of a few years ago.
Surely I’m not the kind of monster that relishes watching people go
through personal misfortune. And, I've never been particularly driven by schadenfreude. But, Jackie Siegel, the woman who is the
central focus of this documentary is so strange and foreign to me that perhaps the
impulse is similar to that of people who enjoy seeing exotic creatures at the
zoo. Because, that woman really is
something else.
This really is a documentary about Jackie more than
anything else. Who knows if it started
off that way, but she loves the attention of a camera so much, that she’s strutting
and preening through almost every frame.
She’s at her full glory for most of the time too—short shorts, furry
vests, five inch heels, lip gloss and crystals covering everything. This is a lady who like things gilded. And, the more cherubs ornamenting her living
space, the better! There’s a whole “subplot”
in this documentary about the timeshare business and how precarious it’s become
financially, and how unconscionable the marketing practices are, but that wasn't the most compelling part of this story.
I was most interested in watching this billionaire glamazon with trailer
trash taste, strut around in her natural habitat. And, that habitat would be in a stretch limo at
the McDonald's drive-through with eight little , white dogs in her lap. Contradictions at every turn! And, it’s fascinating—mostly because I don’t
know anyone like this in real life.
Ultimately this is a story about two people who are way
too overextended in all areas of their lives—business, house, staff, family, pets,
babies. They've got way more of each of
these things than they can handle. It’s
the lifestyle where when you get tired of your current toy, just shove it to
the side and get a newer, fresher model.
You don’t even have to bother with throwing the old one away. The metaphorical corners of their lives are
practically littered with old spouses, old mortgages, old dogs, kids that aren’t
quite as cute as they were when they were three years old. So many loose ends! It boggles the mind. Of course, it’s a shame when any family has
to go through a period of financial hardship.
And, that part of this story is pretty unpleasant. But, it’s also a sobering reminder for us
regular people to live within our means.
I think this movie is definitely worth a look. It’s probably not worth going out of your way
for, but it’s got some interesting points if you’re interested.
3 comments:
While I like the analogy of seeing exotic creatures at a zoo, for me the exotic creatures of Versailles just do not become interesting. I become neither enchanted nor appalled by them –just bored. You are more generous with you stars on this documentary that I.
Yeah, I remember you telling me what you thought of this one. But, I was too curious to steer clear. But, I don't regret watching the film.
Great review. Sounds like an interesting look into excess in the United States.
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