Friday, March 07, 2008

"Yes...Mommie Dearest"

It’s time for me to share one of my all-time favorite movies, Mommie Dearest.

I know that I must sound like a demented creature when I say that I enjoy watching an anal-retentive, crazed perfectionist, and fading movie star, torment the lives of not only her children….but also every one who comes within two inches of her life.

(that’s because I AM demented)

Mommie Dearest, stars Fay Dunaway (as Joan Crawford), Mara Hobel (as the young Christina) and Diana Scarwid (as the adult Christina). It also includes a stellar cast in each of the supporting roles.

The film is a brilliant replica that travels through several time periods. The sets, costumes, hair and make up, and overall design of the film is sheer perfection. It’s like watching a grandiose painting come to life.

I had read the book written by Christina Crawford, a few years before I saw the film version. The movie leaves out much of the details that a book is naturally able to include. But the film in it’s own right…is superb.

I also have a tad bit of “name dropping” and “bragging” to do when it comes to this film….

Diana Scarwid and I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City in 1975. She was in the graduating class, one year ahead of me. We both lived in the Pace University dormitories located in lower Manhattan. Now we weren’t “best buddies” or anything, but I had always admired her acting ability and had a “gut feeling” that she would someday move into a long professional career - and she did. Upon graduating, she was instantly offered work. A very talented lady!

I recently rented the Hollywood Royalty Edition of Mommie Dearest. And on the special features section of the DVD, they had interviews with some of the actors who were in the film - Diana Scarwid being one of them.

And what I found amazing to hear, was that Faye Dunaway desires absolutely no connection to the film what so ever. She apparently did not like how the film was presented and felt that her performance was too “over-the-top.”

Well, Faye….SO WAS JOAN CRAWFORD.

I disagree, and felt that her performance was beyond brilliant. Quite frankly, I began to forget that I was even looking at Faye Dunaway and that Joan Crawford was actually up there on the screen.

If you’ve never seen the film, I highly recommend that you at least watch it once. I’ve seen it probably 20 times (or more) and still find it totally mesmerizing.

The wire hanger scene can be quite disturbing (even I cringe), but you can always fast-forward through it.

Mommie Dearest is a wonderful piece of celluloid that takes you through the fascinating journey of a talented, multi-dimensional, and bigger-than-life character.

And for all her human idiosyncrasies and in her willingness to expose them…I appreciated this movie stars life.

So, thanks Joan….and thanks Faye….you both did a GREAT job!


P.S. And remember…NO WIRE HANGERS, EVER!!!