Friday, March 25, 2011

Mildred Pierce


If you have been with me since the beginning of Red Carpet Closet, you know that I am a huge fan of the the film noir classic, Mildred Pierce.  I was a guest on the internet show, Movies You May Have Missed, back in the summer of 2009 discussing the Joan Crawford film.  Well, this weekend brings the remake with the always solid Kate Winslet slipping into the role on HBO on Sunday.  This adaption promises to be true to the 1941 James M. Cain novel and it brings the delicious Evan Rachel Woods as Mildred's incorrigible daughter, Veda.  So before you dive into the remake, do yourself a favor and see the original.  It is the role that won the "washed up" Joan Crawford an Oscar. If you are a fan of Mommy Dearest, you know she was home with the "flu" on Oscar night and skipped the ceremony.  Her impromptu acceptance speech took place on her door stoop in front of the gathered press like a true diva.  Of course, her hair and makeup artists just happened to be hanging out at her estate that night too.  How convenient.

Also, make a note of the classically tailored suits created by Milo Anderson.  Forget pant suits, this is how women should look in a suit:  pencil skirt, power shoulder pads, and a floral brooch for that feminine touch.

I cannot wait to compare the two films.  I would love to hear your thoughts about your favorite. The classic?  The remake?  Or the book?



Kate or Joan?  Who is the real Mildred Pierce?



Looking fabulous in bed with Oscar and "the flu".







12 comments:

  1. There is one thing that bothers me about the remake. "Mildred Pierce" is a classic book and film. The remake, obviously, has gone to great lengths to equal and attempt to exceed the previous film. The production values will be top notch, A list quality actors, and it will be long enough to do the book justice.

    However, what is the one thing that all (at least all that I have seen) of the promotion seems to fixate upon? The fact that Evan Rachel Wood is naked. Nothing wrong with a little nudity now-and-then and I am certain that it is 'germane' to the storyline, but in a production of this quality is the site of her merkin covered body really the main selling point? It reminds me of the advertising for Black Swan, which was supposed to be a serious artistic movie, yet all pre-release attention was on the fact that Natalie Portman makes out with Jackie from "That 70's Show".

    I don't know which is the case, if the networks have such little faith in the viewing audience or if they actually have a firm grasp on viewers, but the fact that they need to 'sell' a production based on the lowest common denominator is quite unsettling. Last night on "Stupid For Movies" Wade Major went off on the movie "Sucker Punch" for its lowbrow cheap pandering. Perhaps this is where we have come to.

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  2. Yes, I am dying to see how it turns out. The media loves to latch onto something and it always has to be salacious. Hence the nude Evan Rachel Wood story. I need to watch this week's "Stupid For Movies". Wade and Mark are usually spot on with their reviews. We have to wait until Sunday to see........

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  3. I can't wait to see Evan Rachal Wood naked. She is the Kristyn Burtt of actresses! :-0
    Okay seriously this looks like it will be a good picture I will definately give it a shot.

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  4. Let me know what you think......watch the original first though!

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  5. I just reread my comment. Darn when did I become so sanctimonious and long-winded? This is what happens when I don't have anything to write about for a while.

    So should be a good mini-series and yeah for boobies.

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  6. No, don't stop. The discussion is good. I expect lengthy dissertations here on Monday.

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  7. I didn't want to say anything but yes you do sound like a snob. ^_^

    I haven't seen the original or read the book, but if I can talk hubby into watching (I'll probably have to mention the nudity LOL) I will definitely tune in.

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  8. so dramatic! i can't wait either! i don't have hbo so i'll netflix it.

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  9. Not to beat a dead horse but I noticed this ad for "Black Swan" while on YouTube. Oscar winning film, artistic achievement, blah blah blah, what do they put in their ad? A picture of two women kissing.

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  10. Yes, sell what you can. In this case.....boobs!

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  11. Of course! Girls kissing will sell lots of DVDs. Sigh.

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  12. Yes, let me know what you think once you watch it!

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