Jackie Siegel is without a doubt an interesting character. I say character because that is what she is portrayed as. She is a portrait of what average people expect of the extremely wealthy. The filmmakers did this intentionally to invoke emotional responses in the viewers, "give the people what they want." In no way can this movie be viewed without a certain degree of hesitation and disbelief on the part of the viewer. Every shot, every line was used for a reason. Nothing in unintentional. Especially Jackie's portrayal as this over-indulgent, materialistic, disconnected "queen".
Of course I understand that there is at least some truth to be found in reality television. But just like a lawyer during a cross examination, filmmakers utilize only the material that will help them make their point, even if it does not portray the subjects in a positive light. Due to this, I believe that I could have a different perspective on Jackie, if given the opportunity to do so. The film was originally made to document the construction of the Siegel's grand home, so of course the director focused on finery and opulence. However, if the subject was about dysfunctional marriages or the rigors of running a large corporation, the movie would have a very different flavor.
If the 2008 crash had not happened, there would be little substance to this documentary. It would be along the lines of Real Housewives of *insert random wealthy north american city here* (or more so than it already is.....) If this was the case, I would have absolutely hated this movie. Without question.
However, I appreciated it because it is far more than a documentation of a wealthy woman and her old husband. It is an examination of the effects of materialism and over-indulgence in our society today. And the effects that these vices have on people. This is accurately shown in the film when Jackie is out Christmas shopping for her children. She buys her son a bike (that is much to small for him) knowing, or perhaps forgetting) that her kids have over 30 bicycles between them. In no way did her son need the bike, or probably even want it. But it is this lack of perspective and fascination with excess coupled with good intentions and a large wallet that gives this movie its often misunderstood meaning.