Sunday 26 April 2020

No. 24. (2020) GENERATION WEALTH April 20th.


Film No. 24 (2020)  April 20th.  7:55 PM.  AMAZON Prime, Living Room, Mt. Hawthorn. W.A. 


"I know the names of the Kardashians but I don't know the names of my neighbours". (Greenfield's son Noah makes an observation about an aspect of life in his world).






Photographer and film-maker Lauren Greenfield (The Queen of Versailles, Thin) takes us, in a slightly muddled fashion, on a journey into the lives of people who have experienced wealth, fame and or popularity through stages of their lives. Greenfield photographed them (I say them, but it was more, some of them) as young up and comers in the mid eighties; a time (Reaganomics) when "GREED WAS GOOD".

 

Some subjects hold us more than others, depending on our interests. For me, cigar smoking investment banker Florian Homm, struck a chord. He was at the seat of reasons for the Global Financial Crisis. Life for him in 2018, is very different, even bringing him to tears at one stage. Wall Street mogul, Suzanne Murphy, with distracting wide blue eyes, also made fascinating viewing, as time passed, her maternal instincts pushed her financial ambitions to one side.


Toddlers and Tiaras star Eden Wood was profiled briefly but the more interesting story probably lay with her mother. That wasn't explored. So it's here that the documentary failed to fully satisfy. There was so much content, Greenfield didn't know where to concentrate her attention. The subjects weren't all about wealth either, the theme seemed more about becoming a better person through time and experience. Wealth and fame was a common denominator for some.


Meanwhile Greenfield herself draws on her own family experiences, slotting them in randomly throughout the film. The reasons for her personal interludes is never fully revealed. At one point her son Noah makes an honest heartfelt comment that Greenfield is not prepared for. Maybe that could be another film for her to pursue. So do I recommend G.W.? If you love watching film about how the other half lives; don't miss it. 7GUMS.  


    

   

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