The Queen of Versailles

The read

A Balasaur Score of 78 out of 100, drawn from IMDb 7.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes 95%, Metacritic 80/100. Scores higher than 75% of the 2,097 2010s documentary movies in this catalog. Streaming on Netflix.

Synopsis

With the epic dimensions of a Shakespearean tragedy, The Queen of Versailles follows billionaires Jackie and David’s rags-to-riches story to uncover the innate virtues and flaws of their American dream. We open on the triumphant construction of the biggest house in America, a sprawling, 90,000-square-foot mansion inspired by Versailles. Since a booming time-share business built on the real-estate bubble is financing it, the economic crisis brings progress to a halt and seals the fate of its owners. We witness the impact of this turn of fortune over the next two years in a riveting film fraught with delusion, denial, and self-effacing humor.

Ratings

Key crew

• Lauren GreenfieldDirector
• Lauren GreenfieldWriter
• Jeff BealOriginal Music Composer

Cast

• Jacqueline SiegelSelf (as Jackie Siegel)
• David SiegelSelf
• Virginia NebabSelf - Nanny
• Katie StamSelf - Miss America
• Lorraine BarrettSelf - Real Estate Agent
• June DownsSelf - Next Door Neighbor
• Phillip FroehlichSelf - Vice President, West Resorts
• Marissa GaspaySelf - Nanny
• Tina MartinezSelf - High School Friend
• Jonquil PeedSelf - Niece (as Jonquil)
• Wendy PonceSelf - Housekeeper
• Richard SiegelSelf - Son

Themes