The Queen of Versailles
Plot
A documentary that follows a billionaire couple as they begin construction on a mansion inspired by Versailles. During the next two years, their empire, fueled by the real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis.
Release Year: 2012
Rating: 4.8/10 (159 voted)
Critic's Score: 80/100
Director:
Lauren Greenfield
Stars: Jackie Siegel, David Siegel, Virginia Nebab
Storyline
A documentary that follows a billionaire couple as they begin construction on a mansion inspired by Versailles. During the next two years, their empire, fueled by the real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis.
Cast:
Virginia Nebab
-
Herself
David Siegel
-
Himself
Jackie Siegel
-
Herself
DetailsOfficial Website:
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Official site |
Release Date: 20 July 2012
User ReviewA riches to rags tale with the intimate glimpse into the wealthy lives of David and Jackie Siegel.
Rating: 8/10
Rather than going the been-there-done-that route of a rags to riches
story, director Lauren Greenfield accidentally (yet exquisitely)
delivers a riches to rags tale with the intimate glimpse into the
wealthy lives of David and Jackie Siegel. As the president and CEO of
the largest timeshare corporation in the country, David is the epitome
of the American dream, and his beauty pageant/trophy wife is living
proof. While the film's initial purpose was to document the development
of their 90,000 sq. ft. home (the largest in America), once the
financial crisis of 2008 impacted banks globally, David soon finds his
entire empire in jeopardy. Greenfield captures the highs and lows of
being in the top 1%, even though most of the bottom 99% would love to
give it a shot no matter the repercussions. (I always did want an ice
rink in my home.) It's fascinating to watch the discourse between Mr. &
Mrs. Siegel, two individuals who came from poverty, but have different
interpretations of the importance of life. Watching the chaotic
roller-coaster that is Jackie Siegel allows audiences the chance to
laugh at the elite. At one moment you emphasize with the princess
billionaire with the heart of gold, but once she attempts to classify
herself as the "average" person, one can only watch with resentment.
Either way, Greenfield, offers a crowd-pleasing documentary that leaves
a lasting impression on audiences.
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