There are some true stories that are just so hard to believe until you watch a documentary about them. That's where the story of David and Jacqueline Siegel comes in. 2012's 'The Queen of Versailles' is opulent, grandiose and amazing in all the wrong ways.
For a couple that struck gold in the timeshare business, there is a bit of irony in watching a documentary about the financial hardships that come with attempting to build a $100M mansion right before an economic downturn. Because it's so hard to relate to the Florida couple and their family, we're intrigued, disgusted, captivated and plain confused with the extravagance of their lives, to the point that you wouldn't peg them for being real, live people. Lauren Greenfield does a great job painting them in a light that feels authentic and fair, all things considered.
'The Queen of Versailles' is not really about a mega mansion. It's a reminder of the perils that come with failing to see what's right in front of you, and getting caught up in the materialism of everything. For these critiques, it's worth a (virtual) trip down to Orlando.
For a couple that struck gold in the timeshare business, there is a bit of irony in watching a documentary about the financial hardships that come with attempting to build a $100M mansion right before an economic downturn. Because it's so hard to relate to the Florida couple and their family, we're intrigued, disgusted, captivated and plain confused with the extravagance of their lives, to the point that you wouldn't peg them for being real, live people. Lauren Greenfield does a great job painting them in a light that feels authentic and fair, all things considered.
'The Queen of Versailles' is not really about a mega mansion. It's a reminder of the perils that come with failing to see what's right in front of you, and getting caught up in the materialism of everything. For these critiques, it's worth a (virtual) trip down to Orlando.