The Queen of Versailles is an informative documentary about
the rise and fall of the Siegel family. Clever and funny, director Lauren Greenfield successfully covers the human side of “the queen” and her self-made
billionaire husband. The viewer embarks on a two-year journey with them as they
face economic struggles that lead them to make lifestyle changes and make touch
choices in both business and their personal lives.
The
documentary, which won the directing award at this year’s Sundance Film
Festival, is appealing and relatable. People all over the world have been hit
hard by the recession, and even though this family could be considered part of
the “one percent,” the viewer learns how to feel empathy for them.
I
was impatient to see this documentary as soon as I saw the trailer for the
first time on Apple Trailers. Luckily, the Orlando area is fortunate to have
the Enzian Theater, a non-profit artsy theater that screens independent,
foreign, and classic films, and is also host to the Florida Film Festival. A
big smile covered my face as soon as I found out “The Queen” would be screened
at the Enzian. It was so well received (The Siegels reside in Central Florida,
so this must have been a factor) that the screening dates were extended and I
was even unable to obtain tickets the first time I tried seeing it. When I was
finally able to get a hold of a ticket, I had a great time and I dare to say
this is one of the top three movies I’ve seen this year. The trailer only gives
you so much. The documentary overall was different than what I expected and as
I mentioned already, the fact that they cover a very personal side to the
family makes it so much better. It almost makes me want to see a “Part II."
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