I went to see the documentary The Queen of Versailles this afternoon and highly recommend it. It is the story of David and Jackie Siegel, who live in the billionaire world of South Florida and who were building the largest private home in the United States before the housing bubble burst and life started changing for many Americans. This included the Siegels since David owned the largest time-share company in the world.

This documentary explores what happens to an extraordinarily wealthy family when the money stops coming in and it is fascinating to watch. The Siegels seem like regular ole folks who happen to have made it and this brings their world into sharper focus. It must be said, however, that they are classically nouveau riche, complete with a stuffed former pet and ugly, gilded furniture.

I don’t want to say too much about this documentary since I am hopeful you’ll see it. Suffice it to say that life gets a little messy once only 4 of the 19 house staff are kept on.

I would encourage you to check it out at a theater near you.

It makes it even more intriguing to know the Siegels are now suing the filmmaker for defamation.