The Queen of Versailles

The Queen of Versailles is a character-driven documentary about a billionaire family and their financial challenges in the wake of the economic crisis. With epic proportions of Shakespearean tragedy, the film follows two unique characters, whose rags-to-riches success stories reveal the innate virtues and flaws of the American Dream. The film begins with the family triumphantly constructing the biggest house in America, a 90,000 sq. ft. palace. Over the next two years, their sprawling empire, fueled by the real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis. Major changes in lifestyle and character ensue within the cross-cultural household of family members and domestic staff.

"Lauren Greenfield's often hilarious, mostly infuriating chronicle of the rise and fall of one of America's most obscenely wealthy families." —Variety

"Masterful.  A wickedly funny allegory about the American Dream." —The Huffington Post

Series: New Releases at the Film Society

Venue: Howard Gilman Theater, Film Center Amphitheater