The Queen of Versailles (2012)

A behind the scene look at a family from what could be The Housewives of Orlando. I was hesitant to watch this film, as I deplore those shows on Bravo. However, I kept reading good reviews on this documentary, so I gave in. As a film, it’s entertaining and well put together. Painful to watch, but entertaining.

It’s a testament to this couple’s thirst for the spotlight that they would be willing to splatter their family across the screen for the world to devour and judge. Additionally, it’s a sad look at how great the divide is between the super wealthy and the everyday man. It’s sickening to see what this couple deems necessary and appropriate for everyday living. Like building the largest home in America, for example. Meanwhile, their kids will be lucky to survive their upbringing. In a word, it’s repulsive.

The wife is completely delusional, among other unflattering adjectives. The husband, also delusional, is a type A personality who will never be happy with what he has. He’s driven to want more. It’s all very sad. After the financial crisis hit the US, it was satisfying to see them forced to reign in their excess, and it likely saved their kids from becoming absolute monsters. It was interesting to see what it’s like when the 1% fall on hard times, since we are all pretty versed on what it’s like for the 99%.

As with all good documentaries, it’s important to have a fascinating topic, but it helps to have some luck too. They started filming this family during the boom years, and luckily, for the film production, things went south. This created a much better film than they bargained for.

Rating: B-