Awards-favourite doc The Kingmaker opens in UK cinemas on 13 December - and it’s already been called “one of the best documentaries of the year” (RogerEbert.com). It’s the third documentary from Sundance-winning director Lauren Greenfield to critically examine the lives of the extremely rich - this time, with a more political twist. Let’s take a look at her previous work.
The Queen of Versailles (2012)
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 largest privately-owned 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. The result is a hypnotic film of a family and the demise of the American Dream. Winner of the Documentary Directing Award at Sundance 2012. Read more.
Generation Wealth (2018)
Lauren Greenfield’s postcard from the edge of the American Empire captures a portrait of a materialistic, workaholic, image-obsessed culture. Simultaneously autobiographical and historical essay, the film bears witness to the global boom-bust economy, the corrupted American Dream, and the personal costs of late stage capitalism, narcissism, and greed. Read more.
Grab the DVD of both Generation Wealth and The Queen of Versailles for just £10 with our Xmas sale.