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".

Weekend Web Watch: MYMHM

Picking the show for Weekend Web Watch this week was so easy. Juan Bagnell and Lee Buckley were nominated this week for Best Movie/Film Podcast for the Podcast Awards.. I am thrilled to watch all of their success not only because their show is good, but because they are darn nice guys. It was such a good day on set and in the 25 or so episodes we have shot, this is on my Top 3 list. (Can you guess the other 2 episodes on the list?) I had such an amazing time shooting their show, Movies You May Have Missed, where I brought the movie and we discussed the campy drama of Mildred Pierce. By the time we got to The Web Files interview, I was downright punchy after shooting MYMHM only minutes before.

I also have to say that this might be one of my mom's favorite episodes of The Web Files. She thought they were such nice boys. Well, if my mom likes it, I think you will too! Congratulations to Juan, Lee, and the woman behind the camera, Marie Bagnell! Here's your episode of The Web Files and our Weekend Web Watch:

PS Now go vote for Juan and Lee!

Episode 9: Movies You May Have Missed

Now normally, I would start with a cast picture or a behind the scenes photo, but I want all of you to see the first time I met Juan Carlos Bagnell in person. Yes, he was kissing a crow. Okay, okay, it was our official launch party for The Web Files, Sandy bought the crow for atmosphere, and everyone took a liking to it. In fact, Brett Register of Absolute Disaster is now the proud owner of the crow who will hopefully make a cameo in one of his web series soon.

Back to the story, Sandy and I took a liking to Juan and the podcast he co-hosts with Lee Buckley called Movies You May Have Missed. The title explains it all......they will tell you all about a movie....you.....may.......have.......missed. It's a fun show for movie geeks who like to engage in a lively discussion or two about film. So, I thought it would be fun to do a "very special episode" kind of like the sitcom, Blossom, did back in the day. I pretty much invited myself on the show in exchange for a Web Files interview. Good thing Lee and Juan took the bait! The only rule they brought to the table involved me picking the movie. Easy, done, and sold! Mildred Pierce.

Anyone that knows me is well aware of my Oscar geek status. Yes, I can tell you how much it weighs, where it is made, the materials that go into making the statuette, who has won the most, how you vote, how you get into the Academy of Motion Pictures, and the gossip behind Barbra Streisand's 1968 Best Actress win. Mildred Pierce was the perfect movie to explore for Joan Crawford fans. It was her only win out of 3 nominations and it came after a 2-year lull in her career. Little did I know that Lee had an aversion to black and white film, so I am sure my choice was not something he was very excited about. What Lee should be excited about is the bet that he won. What bet am I talking about? Well, you will just have to view the episode of Movies You May Have Missed here: MYMHM

The afternoon was a blast filled with craft services, amazing audio, a 4-camera shoot, and cupcakes. Does life get any better than that? We had so much fun and I really think that shows on camera in both the interview and on MYMHM's show. I wish every set was like that. I also want to thank Voicecaster for donating the location since Lee's bachelor pad, the site for most of MYMHM's shows, was a bit small for the crew we brought that day. Oh, for those of you who need Lee's email address, it is featured prominently in our interview. Lee Buckley=bachelor pad=Ladies' Man.

So, I hope you enjoy this 'very special episode". As Joey would say, "Whoa!"