Mildred Pierce (Keepcase)
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Movie Reviews of Mildred Pierce (Keepcase)
Movie Review: Why Not A Restaurant?
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw this film on Turner Classic one night a few years ago, shortly into the film as I was skimming through the channels. I saw the murder take place, and I was hooked. I watched the rest of the film, glued to the screen. To say that Joan Crawford ruled this film is a major understatement. She thouroughly dominated the screen from beginning to end. In a way, she WAS Mildred, the story drew strong parallels to her own life. Ann Blyth was PERFECT as the wanna-be rich snob Veda. Eve Arden should have had more time in this film, she was needed relief from the seriousness of the story. All three principle female leads got academy award nominations for this film, Crawford won Best Actress, and there's no arguing she deserved it. As the plot has been dissected and gone over repeatedly before, I'll focus on the DVD release. The film transferred beautifully, with razor-sharp definition and wonderful light and dark areas. This film is true film noir, and the lighting played a major role in the movie. On the disc flip side, there is a wonderful documentary on Crawford's life called "Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star". The documentary is well-worth watching on its own, so to have it included is great. All in all, it's easy to see why Crawford was very proud of this film, it represented her commercial comeback after MGM put her out to pasture, saying she was too old, and box office poison. Amazing what the right role, script, and director can do for a strong actor. This film is a true classic, so get this DVD and enjoy!Movie Review: A Reverse Momma Dearest?
Summary: 5 Stars
While I watched this completely engaging film noir, I kept seeing Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford in "Momma Dearest," although the tables are turned in this film. In this instance, unlike in the Crawford bio, the mother Mildred Pierce is pretty much at the mercy of her spoiled daughter Veda. I cannot remember a more despicable daughter-- or son for that matter-- in any book or movie. Based on the novel by James C. Cain-- his works translate very well to the screen (for example, "The Postman Always Rings Twice")-- this movie has enough twists and turns for the most discriminating viewer-- as the detectives attempt to solve the murder of Mildred Pierce's husband. We should know for certain, however, that Mildred is not the killer since as her husband falls at the very beginning of the movie, his last word is "Mildred."
Crawford never looked better although I suspect she is pretty much playing herself although she did get a best actress Oscar for her performance. When Mildred is reduced to getting a job as a waitress, her makeup doesn't run and I suspect she is wearing heels as she rushes from table to kitchen but we'll just engage in our willful suspension of disbelief and enjoy the show.
I was reminded once again that the really good movies entertain. "Mildred Pierce" certainly does.
Movie Review: The Closest I will Ever Come to Loosing Myself in a Soap Opera
Summary: 5 Stars
Mildred Pierce is such a soap opera. The characters are over the top. Wally, Mildred's ex-husband's ex-business partner, seems to have the single minded goal of getting into Mildred's now vacant pants. Monte is an aging spendthrift playboy, who is violently alergic to work, and vampirically latches on to Mildred's purse. Veda, Mildred's airhead daughter, is pure spoiled brat - nothing redeeming there, only a mother could love her. To polish off this soap opera quality, there is an awkwardly inserted scene of a child's death for added melodrama.
Mildred ties all these threads together as a good little housewife, who is striking out on her own to provide only the best for her daughter Veda. Her character has the most depth (any depth at all is a change in this movie). She remains motherly and virtuous, as she reallizes that she can be shark at business to keep the funds flowing for Veda's expensive hobbies. Similarly, Joan Crawford, who plays Mildred, holds the film together. It's so corny - I reallized this as I watched - and yet so gripping. I think that reading the script would have made me gag, and yet this movie pulled me in.
Movie Review: Joan Crawford's best work!
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't actually own this movie; I came across it for the first time on TCM about six months ago, and watch it whenever it's on. I've never been a big fan of older movies, but "Mildred Pierce" is one of those rare films that holds my attention from beginning to end. Joan Crawford is at her movie-star best as the title character: an ambitious, hard-working woman willing to do ANYTHING to gain the love and respect of her self-centered daughter. Ann Blyth is sinfully wonderful as uber-snob Veda Pierce, but Joan's Mildred is the one that steals the show. You can't help but feel sorry for her as she conquers one next-to-impossible goal after the next, only to be cut down repeatedly by the impossibly ungrateful Veda. The ending, where Veda gets what she richly deserves (and anyone with an ounce of compassion prays she'll get), is both the most heart-wrenching and satisfying moment of all. "Mildred Pierce" has quickly become one of my favorite movies of all time. Say what you will about Joan Crawford's off-screen demeanor, but as an actress the woman was most definitely in a class all her own.Movie Review: Joan's Best!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
What more can be said about this great movie, definitely one of Crawford's best. Great melodrama, and superbly acted by the entire cast. Joan Crawford's turn as the selfless, ambitious single mom is quite convincing, and Ann Blyth's performance as her selfish, spoiled, and unfeeling daughter is truly gut wrenching to watch. As the story unfolds, you wonder why mom continues to jump through flaming hoops to please her witch of a daughter. Eve Arden is at her scene stealing best as Ida, her restaurant manager. She is truly a joy to watch, and I found myself wishing her role would have been larger.
This dvd also includes a documentary about the legendary Crawford, with interesting tidbits about the rift between Joan and Bette Davis, wonderfully narrated by Angelica Huston. The only sad part about the documentary was the inclusion of Christina Crawford's commentary about "Mommie Dearest." Brings the larger-than-life Crawford back down to earth. Truth, probably, but didn't seem to belong here. Definitely a worthwhile movie to own for all who love the classics. Highly recommend!!