Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper

Are the rich different? Living a life right out of a John Irving novel, in which the invisible strings of fate seem to undermine even the most glamorous and financially secure lives, the answer is "apparently not." In this unflinching look at the tragedies of his mother's life, some self-created from her very publicly scarred childhood, Anderson Cooper is also unafraid to show his personal pain as these tragedies have played out quite tangibly in his life. Anderson Cooper lays bare the family pain that most of us spend a great deal of energy to conceal, and the result is not only a love letter to his brave and unflinching mother, but to all of us. A transcendent experience that brings us beyond class structure to an understanding of how tragedy can shape our lives and bring about beautiful contributions - in art (Gloria) - and in bearing witness to others pain (Anderson). I can't quite put my finger on it, but this film feels as if it has created a new genre - beyond reality TV into REALITY TV. It is as if we were able to listen in as the Kardashian's attended confession. Moving, vivid, sophisticated, unrelenting, honest, and a true gift.

Greetings again from the darkness. Rather than the usual biographic approach, this is quite a personal and intimate conversation piece as the "poor little rich girl", Gloria Vanderbilt, recollects her life of fame with her journalist son, Anderson Cooper. Expert documentary filmmaker Liz Garbus (Oscar nominated for What Happened Miss Simone, 2015, and The Farm: Angola, USA, 1999) delivers what amounts to video memoirs as Mr. Cooper guides his 91 year old mother down Memory Lane.

This is an HBO documentary, and it will have a theatrical run in addition to multiple showings on the cable behemoth. Some may view it as an ego piece … two persons of privilege reminiscing about their "tough" lives, but it's a stark reminder that no amount of money can prevent the heart from breaking, or the lasting effects of grief.

Gloria Vanderbilt turns out to be a relatively pragmatic lady who, with age and experience, has come to accept the unusual path her life has taken … from a basically parentless childhood, to being at the center of custody battle that created a national media frenzy, to four marriages (the first at age 17), to a personal and social life that bears mention of such names as Frank Sinatra, Richard Avedon, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote, Sidney Lumet and Errol Flynn. Along the way, she has been constantly involved with art … whether in the form of painting, writing, sculpting, acting – or designing the iconic jeans of the 1970's that bore her name.

She kicks off the film by quoting Faulkner: "The past isn't over, it's not ever over." It's the perfect beginning, as the hook here is that her son Anderson Cooper has spent a couple of years going through her storage units, and is now depending on her to fill in the historical life gaps created by her letters, photographs and paintings. Much of the discussion focuses on young Gloria's beloved nanny, as well as the custody case featuring Aunt Gertrude (who founded the Whitney Museum).

Hers may not be a life that altered the course of mankind, but now 92 year old Gloria Vanderbilt has experienced the highest highs and lowest lows, and is willing to discuss the fascinating specifics … thanks to the coaxing by her little boy.

Yes, it was a really great look at a fascinating subject; however, what was left unsaid -- and not even mentioned -- were the people of color that influenced Gloria Vanderbilt's life. Arguably, there are few, but the biggest was her decades-long love affair with the late Gordon Parks. It's rumored that he's the once who encouraged her to never stop painting, but since he wasn't even mentioned -- Sinatra was, and her affair with him was very brief -- how can they leave out the one who's the reason behind why she still paints today? Either reshoot and sell a "director's cut" or change the title.

I watched this movie for 2 hours

It was quite possibly the saddest thing I have ever seen on color TV.

Liz Garbus does a fabulous job on this documentary, but it does not take away the fact Gloria may have had money but not much more in her life.

I live a modest life myself, my parents loved me, my husband and I live together and our kids may have not have everything, but we had each other.

I would not trade my shabby little life for a cash mountain if it were at the cost of losing children and family

bottom line, if you don't have your family and or good friends

you may just only have a full wallet

signed sad in New York

I always thought I knew who Gloria Vanderbilt was and a bit of her history. I also learned early on that Anderson Cooper was her son. I did not know the continual tragedies she survived in her life, or how optimistic she was about life in spite of it all. After reading her It Seemed Important at the Time: A Romance Memoir I became more curious and learned about this documentary. So touching. Also very heart wrenching to hear her talk of her son, Carters suicide right before her eyes. It brought tears to my eyes. All I can say is she had a zeal for life that was almost childlike yet love was all she really wanted & wanted to give. Anderson was lucky to have known so much about her through their mutual communication before she passed. She was a remarkable woman.