Saturday, 18 May 2013

Queen of Versailles


The documentary follows the Siegel family as they begin the process of building the biggest home in America at 90000 square feet. The mammoth property is architecturally based on the French Palace of Versailles- a vision of class and elegance. Quite the opposite of 74-year-old David Siegel CEO of Westgate Resorts the biggest time-share company in America.
Director and up an coming documentary maker Lauren Greenfield allows an interesting insight into the lives and fall of this modern American family made up of 8 kids and ex-model wife Jackie Siegel.
As it progresses you realize that this man just likes to use the word “big”. Eventually including the terms “big trouble” and “big debt” in his financial terms.
The portrayal is one of empathy toward the family, I found myself feeling sorry this man, who in fact is probably a criminal as his callousness leads to the termination of thousands of his employees jobs.
David and Jackie Siegel have used their real-life experiences to produce one of the most shocking storylines that could rival that of a Tarintino film. There marriage stays together, the expected breakdown of the couple acts as a cinematic form of tension throughout the film.
And it is true despite the greed and the wealth and outright tackiness of this family; they are in fact very likeable.
It is a fascinating insight into how the other half of the other half lives, the importance family and how much it costs to look just so cheap. An experience that might just leave you incredibly grateful for your normal, comfortable life.


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