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The Business

Making 'The Queen of Versailles'

Lauren Greenfield's new documentary, The Queen of Versailles , tells the story of billionaire couple Jackie and David Siegel, who were in the midst of building the largest home in the United States when the financial crisis hit and they had to face their excess and delusion.

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By Kim Masters • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Lauren Greenfield's new documentary, The Queen of Versailles, tells the story of billionaire couple Jackie and David Siegel, who were in the midst of building the largest home in the United States when the financial crisis hit and they had to face their excess and delusion. The film premiered at Sundance, where Greenfield won an award for her directing. But just prior to the premiere David Siegel sued her for defamation. Greenfield discusses the process of making the film, the degree to which she was open with the Siegels about the story she was telling, and how she sees their story as an allegory for America's drive towards consuming more and more.

(L-R) Jackie Siegel and Lauren Greenfield

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Kim Masters

    partner/writer at Puck News, host of KCRW's “The Business.”

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    Darby Maloney

    Producer

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    Lauren Greenfield

    photographer and documentary filmmaker

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