Mildred Pierce: a film, a mini series and the Great Depression

Ойын-сауық

#joancrawford #katewinslet #melodrama #filmnoir
Joan Crawford is Mildred Pierce. Kate Winslet is Mildred Pierce. The two screen adaptations of James M. Cain's novel are vastly different in mood and execution yet each woman embodies the character of Mildred in her own distinct and personalized way.
Mildred Pierce (1944) takes the meat of the novel and hangs a murder mystery around it. Filmed in black and white, it features the halllmarks of noir cinema with its use a of shadow and light, voice over and flashback but it also leans heavy into the constructs of the classic women's picture.
Mildred Pierce (2011) is a faithful adaptation of the source material and puts the great depression back at the center of the story. Filmed with an emphasis on realism, director Todd Haynes turns the story into 5+ hour intimate character study.
While making this video I read the novel a couple of times and if you haven't read it I highly recommend it. I think if you've only seen the Joan Crawford film, the novel will shock you. If you've seen the HBO mini series you'll see just how faithful Todd Haynes was to the book.
I cut a lot of stuff out of the video including the part about little sister Ray, but she is the MVP of the movie so here's a quick Ray Pierce (RIP) edit.
• Mildred Pierce (1945):...
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If you're interested in the films and books mentioned in this video I've listed where you can find them in the links below.
If you buy something through my links I may get a small share of the sale. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mildred Pierce (1945) DVD: amzn.to/3vuSeD2
Blu-Ray: amzn.to/37qGR7m
Mildred Pierce (2011) DVD: amzn.to/3OqxYel
Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain (paperback): amzn.to/3jS4Grf
Double Indemnity (1944) DVD: amzn.to/3OoRHuW
Blu-Ray: amzn.to/3EuJ2Tj
Double Indemnity by James M. Cain (paperback): amzn.to/3JUurS5
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) DVD: amzn.to/3uWqsAn
Blu-Ray: amzn.to/3L2ujBy
The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain (paperback): amzn.to/3Mdm1qy
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Пікірлер: 115

  • @frederickcombs8661
    @frederickcombs8661 Жыл бұрын

    Everything in the Crawford version is perfect. I remember seeing it in college in a lecture hall of 600 students for the first time. It was incredibly entertaining bringing ooos and ahhs, hisses and laughter. Prefect. I think it was the first Crawford film I ever saw, she did great work.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    This is tied as my favorite Crawford performance. The other is HUMORESQUE (1946)

  • @r.d.493
    @r.d.493 Жыл бұрын

    The running time of the 2011 mini-series Mildred Pierce is five hours and 36 minutes which means that director Todd Haynes dedicated at least one minute of screen time for every page in James Cain's novel. Kate Winslet carries the mini-series both toughly and seamlessly. It is perfect for a quiet afternoon at home.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    you're so right. I actually rewatched a portion of it recently and I can't get over just how beautiful the storytelling is. A television masterpiece.

  • @ferociousgumby
    @ferociousgumby Жыл бұрын

    I am not particularly a Crawford fan - I place Bette Davis at the very top of my list - but this is her masterpiece. I believe she is perfect for the role and moves seamlessly from overburdened housewife, to successful businesswoman, to over-vulnerable wife of a selfish cad, while never failing to be a martyr to her self-centred daughter. And yet, you still feel sympathy for her in the end. I cannot believe that people criticize this film! I don't intend to watch any sort of remake, as they always fall short in my estimation.

  • @wonderflo9493
    @wonderflo9493 Жыл бұрын

    When I see Mildred, I still feel sorry for her. She worked so hard for everyone around her and then they easily took advantage of her. Mildred was eager to please and she allowed it. Unfortunate.

  • @juanitajones6900

    @juanitajones6900

    Жыл бұрын

    I think Mildred had revolved her life around Veda just a bit too much and in an unhealthy way.

  • @jeffbassin630
    @jeffbassin6308 ай бұрын

    In my opinion, the Joan Crawford "Midred Pierce" is the VERY best!

  • @bb1111116
    @bb1111116 Жыл бұрын

    The Crawford film is a film noir. One of my favorites. Changing Veda to a femme fatale was just right. Crawford is excellent in it deserving of the Oscar.

  • @CinemaCities1978
    @CinemaCities19782 жыл бұрын

    I've been thinking about this MILDRED PIERCE video since November. I really wasn't sure of the best way to talk about all the ideas I had swirling around in my head so it may seem to jump around a bit. Also, I had sinus infection so I'm sorry for sounding congested but I didn't want to keep delaying this video.

  • @payungtechno

    @payungtechno

    Жыл бұрын

    you guys r doing a great job i really enjoy this thank uu

  • @a.a.p3254

    @a.a.p3254

    Жыл бұрын

    You and your stupid pies! So Martha Stewart !!! Cheers 🇨🇦

  • @Leftofway
    @Leftofway Жыл бұрын

    Both versions of "Mildred Pierce" are brilliant. Joan and Kate were superb.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes they are! I love them both and each version can exist without comparison.

  • @cocoaorange1

    @cocoaorange1

    Жыл бұрын

    I have to see Kate's version of Mildred Pierce. I saw the classic one years ago, great movie.

  • @glw2088
    @glw20882 жыл бұрын

    I've seen the Joan Crawford movie tons of times but I didn't even know there was a newer version. I'll have to look for it because it looks really good.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's really very good and so beautiful to look at. The low key attention to period detail is amazing.

  • @DMovieman
    @DMovieman2 жыл бұрын

    Another bang-up job! I watched once already, but I had to re-watch to comment on specifics. I knew Mildred Pierce was based on a novel, but had NO idea the author also wrote Double Indemnity and TPRT! Wow! I also love how you showcased the interior and exterior shots of the home. Had no idea Michael Cortese had such a "high" opinion of Joan Crawford, either. What you mentioned about Mildred's financial struggles is a big part of what I enjoyed in the miniseries. Seeing her struggling as a waitress, then getting the hang of everything, then selling pies in the same restaurant, and so on. Her growth and success was so satisfying to watch! The Veda slap will forever raise my blood pressure! 🤬😠😤

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yeah Cain was on a roll with his writing in that period. He never had a streak like that again. Poor Joan, the director was initially horrible to her. He also made her screen test, she'd been a star for 20+ years from silents to talkies, but she did it and won him over. She also worked with him again a few years later. I also loved the detail the mini series went into showing how hard Mildred had it. It showed her pinching her pennies and really swallowing her pride to do what she had to do. But, when she did make it, it was earned, she worked hard for that success. That slap is iconic. In my mind that's the real reason she gets locked up in the end 😂

  • @rickscoat
    @rickscoat Жыл бұрын

    My favorite Joan Crawford movie. “My mother, a waitress. Aren’t the pies bad enough?”

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    Vida was such a monster and those insults of hers cut Mildred like a knife.

  • @dbarker7794

    @dbarker7794

    10 ай бұрын

    "a common frump!"

  • @bethanypheneger5796
    @bethanypheneger5796 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you. I miss all the wonderful songs of my youth. You bring it back.

  • @MoreMovies4u
    @MoreMovies4u2 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video as always, CC. Joan Crawford is amazing in the original. I haven't seen the mini-series but watching this video made me want to. I recently did a little bit of reading about Curtiz for an article and was shocked to find out he was a piece of work. Joan winning the Oscar was a nice twist at the end of that story. Guess what else I havent seen? Feud!! I'm dying to see it, but haven't found time yet. Seems like I have some mini-series to catch up on. Brilliant work here, really enjoyed it. ❤🙏

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    2 жыл бұрын

    Curtiz was something else. He and Crawford would have massive blow ups on the set and would have to speak to each other through the producer. But, finally he came around to respect what she was doing with the character and her work ethic. They even made another film together the noir FLAMINGO ROAD (1949). I can honestly say I can watch both versions of MILDRED PIERCE and not even think about or compare them with each other because they are so different. I love Todd Haynes and he brings all his best traits as a director to the miniseries. It's a slow burn but the world he recreates is flawless. If you need any urging to watch FEUD all I can say is it is hands down one of my all time favorite shows. Jessica Lange's Joan Crawford is scary good.

  • @MoreMovies4u

    @MoreMovies4u

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@CinemaCities1978 I have wanted to see Fued for a while. I missed it on TV and have been meaning to ever since. THanks for the prompt. TH Mildred is now on the list too. Thanks for the tip on Flamingo Road, I will have to check that out now too! So enriching, thanks again CC.

  • @machinelearng
    @machinelearng7 ай бұрын

    My favorite films to watch are all set in the 20s, thru to the 70s. Real stories with adults

  • @jeffinition
    @jeffinition Жыл бұрын

    This is a great video. I'm on the Joan spectrum of Mildreds, but I really enjoyed the 2011 version even though it left me a bit cold. Evan Rachel Wood was just SO maniacally extra, I'm... I don't know, too terrified to ever re-watch that whole thing again?

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    After making this video and really digging into the novel and both adaptations, I think while I love the attention to period detail and Kate Winslet's interpretation of the character in the series, the original is my favorite.

  • @missmaggie2620
    @missmaggie2620 Жыл бұрын

    When I see the scene with Kay in the oxygen tent it makes me sad to know that the actress Jo Ann Marlowe who had become a chief trial lawyer for the US Attorney's Office in LA, was involved in an accident that left her in a coma for 22 years. For 22 years she languished in her mother's home, until her passing. How strangely eerie that scene in the bedroom of Mrs. Verderhoff's home is to me when I watch the movie again. Jo Ann Marlowe did a great job playing the younger daughter Kay, she was smart & I loved her spunk.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    I remember reading her fate and being heartbroken. She was such a spunky kid and a very naturalistic actor. She had her entire life ahead of her and her ending was so tragic.

  • @rachelwalsh5614
    @rachelwalsh56142 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this! I had heard of Mildred Pierce, but I didn't see it until last year. I definitely liked it but felt slightly confused by it - like - what was this movie actually about? Your insight about how it didn't really acknowledge its' time period and how it was a mixture of genres explains my confusion. I have not seen the miniseries but I like Kate Winslet and now you tell me that Todd Haynes directed? (I've seen Superstar, Far from heaven and Carol.) Well I may have to give it a look. I continue to love your channel!

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oh Rachel, If you are a fan of Todd Haynes then I can't recommend the mini series enough! Haynes is one of my favorite directors and all the things that I love about his movies (attention to period details, strong women centered stories and his aesthetic) are in this series x 5. Then there is Winslet's performance which is amazing. I do like the original movie and it's doing a lot of work in less than 2 hrs. It's creates a compelling and engaging mystery, it explores class issues, we do a deep dive into mother daughter relationships, it looks at why and how women work and how the men around them view that work...then there's Crawford whose Mildred is an icon. I think they made good choices in working around all the censor unfriendly content in the book to bring the story to the screen. But, they should've committed to a setting.

  • @cartoonboi2
    @cartoonboi210 ай бұрын

    I am a Joan Crawford fanatic; I love her version of Mildred Pierce. However, the Kate W version was AMAZING!

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    10 ай бұрын

    I love the Crawford film but Kate's version for me is an example of a perfect adaptation.

  • @dbarker7794
    @dbarker779410 ай бұрын

    Love this movie. Had no idea Todd Haynes had made a miniseries. Thanks.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    10 ай бұрын

    You're welcome. The miniseries is a beautiful adaptation and it doesn't take away from the original at all.

  • @westernnoir4808
    @westernnoir4808 Жыл бұрын

    I've heard many horror stories about Michael Curtiz. David Niven made that joke about him in The Moon's A Balloon. He's not regarded like Ford, Hawks,Wilder and the other auteurs, but my opinion is he never made a boring film, and I think the others all did.

  • @tompease3022
    @tompease3022 Жыл бұрын

    Actually in the 1945 movie it’s mentioned upon Mildred’s return from Mexico that Burt has gotten (finally) wartime employment at “Condor Aircraft.” Ida cattily comments that the manpower shortage must be worse than they thought.

  • @tompease3022

    @tompease3022

    Жыл бұрын

    I really liked the Miniseries; it IS the book. It’s beautifully shot and acted and reall goes where the 1945 film couldn’t have. The only (minor) quibble I had was some of the locations were just so obviously not on the West Coast. The area they chose to play Laguna Beach was laughably Long Island on the sound, and the “Beverly Hills” they chose was all wrong: at that time BH was barely 10 years old. The area they filmed in has mature trees that look over a 100. It actually works against the story, since a part of Mildred bridling at having to work for the nouveau rich film directors wife is that the wife is not the real deal either, which would have been reflected by Cain choosing brand-new Beverly Hills, where film people who wouldn’t be allowed to buy in Hancock Park or Pasadena would live.

  • @michaelbufalino4646
    @michaelbufalino4646 Жыл бұрын

    A great review of two distinctly different adaptations. I saw the HBO version before the original Warner Brothers and definitely prefer the second 2009 adaptation. You're right about the period details. Both myself and the friend who I watched this with collect depression glass and kitchen items from the early 20th century. The accuracy was off the charts. Whoever did the set design knew what they were doing. We had fun pointing out the various companies and patterns used. Note the bright, almost glowing green uranium glass in the scenes in the Mildred's Glendale home.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    That's amazing insight. The production designer, Mark Friedberg, really did his homework for this series and it expertly evokes a time and place.

  • @hollywooddarling
    @hollywooddarling Жыл бұрын

    Love both versions! They are so different it's hard to decide which is a favourite. I love the style and the Joan Crawford of it all of the noir version, but I also love Veda and the way the whole story is fleshed out including the supporting characters and also the styling of the Todd Haynes version. I actually love Ann Blyth in the Crawford version but Veda was a diabolical character and Evan Rachel Wood was chilling in that role. And I also really loved Guy Pearce's performance!

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    I think Guy Pearce's Monty was a better portrayal of the character. He was more nuanced and developed than Zachary Scott in the 1945 film. But, I'm with you; I enjoy both versions. However, I think I have a slight edge going to Todd Haynes because that mini-series is just so beautiful, from the score to the production design and cinematography

  • @denisadellinger4543
    @denisadellinger4543 Жыл бұрын

    I have seen this film. All I could think of was in Mommie Dearest, Faye Dunaway, playing Joan could not even go to the Oscars because she was too anxious and scared she would not win, but she did win and made that appearance outside her home. One thing you can say about Joan Crawford, she was a talented actress and a bitch on wheels.

  • @CrissyRed
    @CrissyRed Жыл бұрын

    I absolutely loved both filmed versions of the story. And they definitely do stand alone.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    I love that although based on the same source material, they are each their own separate work and exist without the need to compare or take away from each other.

  • @Garsons-oq4lh
    @Garsons-oq4lh Жыл бұрын

    One thing Kate and her version will never have that Joan and hers did was stamp of approval from author James M. Cain. He wrote in a 1946 letter to Joan, "you made me very happy with your performance."

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    Cain was pretty lucky in that all the early adaptations of his books were five star with amazing casting. Mildred, The Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity all classics. That's a great streak.

  • @rosemaryfranzese317
    @rosemaryfranzese317 Жыл бұрын

    I haven’t seen the mini series but I love the film and it helped Joan Crawford to go on to a purple patch in her career. Anne Blythe also had the role of her career and Crawford helped and encouraged her all the way. It seems fair that the mini series which is more closer to the Cain novel was made but I don’t have extra tv channels so I will probably never see it. The film version certainly revived Crawford’s career and I think she deserved it

  • @feliciaboston6365
    @feliciaboston6365 Жыл бұрын

    Ok I’m glad you made this because I was sooo confused about why Vida still wanted Monty after he went broke lol

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    It wasn't the money, it was all about class. Vida was a real 🐍

  • @feliciaboston6365

    @feliciaboston6365

    Жыл бұрын

    @@CinemaCities1978 but then that doesn’t make sense. If you lose your money then you lose your class

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    @@feliciaboston6365 well social class and economic class aren't necessarily dependent on each other. You can have the education, experiences, connections that go along with social class due to family connections or family history/legacy and not be wealthy. Monty has the pedigree, the respected name, he plays polo, went to the best schools, has social connections, knows the best people. Those things don't evaporate when his money goes away. Mildred could have all the money in the world but she'd never fit in at the country club or fit into that world. She has money but no class.

  • @feliciaboston6365

    @feliciaboston6365

    Жыл бұрын

    @@CinemaCities1978 that is so true! Vida wants to use Monty for his connections and networking …lol here we are discussing and picking the brains of fictional characters

  • @classiclife7204
    @classiclife7204 Жыл бұрын

    When modern remakes are good, I'm able to separate the two as distinct works of art in my mind. Along with "Mildred", "The Postman Always Rings Twice" also comes to mind - I love both the Garfield and Nicholson versions. I do tend to have more fun with the Crawford version rather than the Winslet version, because, well, Crawford. The Winslet one is a work of art that kept me engrossed and justified its 6 hours. It's not coincidental that "Postman" and "Mildred" come from the same pen - the "seamy, sleazy" subject matter makes them more current while also fitting into more "golden age" styles.

  • @AbrasiousProductions
    @AbrasiousProductions Жыл бұрын

    I love Mildred Pierce, that film broke my heart

  • @diego-search
    @diego-search Жыл бұрын

    I agree many of the films made in the 1970's, reflect 1930's/40's more accurately, with less nostalgia...perhaps because there were those making the movies and seeing them in the theater, who had been there in the 30's and knew it's reality, rather than someone's artistic vision of what it was supposed to be. Interesting in the Charles Bronson film, "Hard Times" how 1930's New Orleans and backwoods Louisiana is reflected without needing to be recreated for the story.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    Also, I think the over use and bad application of color grading has taken away the sense of real lived in space on screen. The show Perry Mason comes to mind. It's production design is amazing but the real feel of the image on screen is off. If that makes sense.

  • @parsnipmcgee329
    @parsnipmcgee329 Жыл бұрын

    As a kid, both Joan Crawford and Barbara Stanwick gave me the willies. I've rarely been able to enjoy their movies to this day. I've tried several times to watch Double Indemnity, but Ugh! Also, there's...you know......Fred Mac Murray. However, I love Lady Of Burlesque. An older gay guy turned me on to it years ago because he thought it was completely hilarious that flat chested Stanwick stiffly shimmied her way through a fan dance, as the queen of Burley-Q! I had to agree with his pronouncement but she does some impressive dancing, and I adore this flick Would you consider commenting on this movie? I feel like I'm the only one who loves it. So far we seem to agree on everything, and I very much enjoy your insights!

  • @phoenixswanson1561
    @phoenixswanson15613 ай бұрын

    The public understood by 1945 that magic could be part of their lives. It went from the audience admiring fantasy to the audience living the fantasy to the fantasy admiring the audience.

  • @robertdoherty2001
    @robertdoherty2001 Жыл бұрын

    Bette Davis had stated flatly that this film was not intended for her, nor was it offered. A bit hard to believe; her agent certainly would have heard about it. Perhaps she was too busy, or dismissed it without giving it much thought.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    I think any major prestige drama with a female lead at Warners Brothers was considered for Bette Davis. Even if they never formally offered it to her, they discussed her as a possibility.

  • @petermcculloch4933
    @petermcculloch4933 Жыл бұрын

    The 1945 film is one of the best murder mystery movies I have seen.Joan Crawford is sensational.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes! She was made for that role and I don't think anyone else could've done it as well.

  • @rosezingleman5007
    @rosezingleman50072 жыл бұрын

    First time I saw it, aged 14, I totally bought it. I thought I’d think differently at 30, but I still bought it then too. Now I’ve seen it, almost as a landmark film at each five year marker through to my 60th birthday three years ago. It still holds up. I’m a fan of Cain, but have zero interest in seeing the new one, but knowing it’s very different from Joan and Curtiz’ maybe I’ll go ahead and watch it. I just hate to have the idea of Mildred Pierce which has lived in my memory, messed with.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    2 жыл бұрын

    I love the Crawford film. Making this video I rewatched it multiple times along with the 2011 version and I can honestly say each exists as it’s own separate work of art in my mind. They are so tonally different its as if each Mildred has her own separate world. Since director Todd Haynes makes no references to the original, the 2011 miniseries becomes it’s own slow burn story. (I will warn you there is some very explicit content in the miniseries but it’s also in the book).

  • @robennis7840
    @robennis7840 Жыл бұрын

    In the UK this was Saturday afternoon film time.I was so engrossed that a girl would stand up to parents like that.this was the 1970s very few young people were ever shown like that.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    Oh yes, Vida was a terror of a daughter. I can only imagine how shocking that slap scene was to those in the audience at the time of the film's release.

  • @marlasotherchannel9847
    @marlasotherchannel9847 Жыл бұрын

    "You can go back to making your pie's now Mildred, we're through".

  • @koleyw932
    @koleyw932 Жыл бұрын

    Love the new HBO version of Mildred Pierce with Kate Winslet, more like the book, no murders.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    it is really true to the book. I love that about it.

  • @nicholascorrin4648
    @nicholascorrin4648 Жыл бұрын

    Great job! While i agree 5 parts was alot... it sure was pretty:)

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    It sure was. It was gorgeous.

  • @wooden5c
    @wooden5c Жыл бұрын

    A great 12 minutes

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    thank you!

  • @mandymayne8759
    @mandymayne8759 Жыл бұрын

    You are mistaken when you said that in Double Indemnity the murder was committed to collect on the victim’s life insurance. The murder was committed to collect on the victim’s ACCIDENT insurance. There is, and was, a difference, and that difference is central to the plot. In the movie Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck) says to Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray): “Even his life insurance goes to that daughter of his.” That’s why Neff must (try to) sell Mr. Dietrichson an accident insurance policy, and why the murder must look like an accident. And the policy contains a “double indemnity” clause (thus the title of the book/movie) if the accidental death occurs on a train. And the fact that Mr. Dietrichson had an accident (a fall at one of his oil wells) resulting in a broken leg previous to the trip on the train, where he never filed a claim for the medical expenses resulting from that accident, led Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) to suspect that the death wasn’t an accident, but rather a murder. I can’t help myself. Double Indemnity is one of my all time favorite movies. I’ve seen it countless times and in 4 different formats: TV; theater; VHS; and DVD. I’ve also read the novel, and I find the movie superior. The novel has an incredibly weak ending. I’ve also seen the movie Mildred Pierce a few times (TV and theater) and read the novel. The movie is good, I like it a lot, but in this case the novel is superior. I’ve never seen the mini-series.

  • @marionmarino1616
    @marionmarino1616 Жыл бұрын

    MILDRED became a soap opera under studio operation. Eeeccchh! DOUBLE and POSTMAN are classic noir films, true to the novels.

  • @JohnInTheShelter
    @JohnInTheShelter Жыл бұрын

    The miniseries was very well made, and superior to the movie. I can't remember another movie of this type that kept the antagonism between mother and daughter going right to the end. It pleasantly shocked me when Mildred blew up at the end.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes. The push and pull of the relationship between Mildred and Veda in the miniseries is one of the most dynamic aspects of the show. I enjoy this adaptation because Todd Haynes really stayed true to the source material.

  • @JohnInTheShelter

    @JohnInTheShelter

    Жыл бұрын

    @@CinemaCities1978 Agreed. I thought the mother-daughter dynamic in the miniseries was convincing. When I read the book after seeing the movie I was like, "Did the chapters about the murder fall out?"

  • @katherinea.williams3044

    @katherinea.williams3044

    Жыл бұрын

    @@CinemaCities1978 Hi, by any chance do you speak Creole/French? I could’ve sworn I saw a video essay of where the commentator was quite proud of her heritage. I speak a little of it, too, due to where I live, and my neighbor is teaching me. I’m a HIGHLY discerning film lover and a big time credit reader, which you seem to be as well. Haynes has done stellar work, and for some reason, he always seems to have Christine Vachon as a producer, as she produces many LGBTQ productions. Which is my cause as well, as my 22 year old son is 🏳️‍🌈. I do admit that in the original, I got tired of Veda and her selfish actions, thus getting tired of Mildred always bailing her out. I took a concentration in school about film, I wish I had pursued it more- I had the AMAZING opportunity to chat with Nick Cave and Warren Ellis; and several other artists I admire. I very much liked your production on this film (and the series as well), and I look forward to seeing more of your content! Subscribed! Love & Light from Miami Shores🦚 Stay safe mate✌🏼🌎 Merci Ampil✨👌🏼

  • @dr.aniasara7038
    @dr.aniasara7038 Жыл бұрын

    I like watching Crawford's version, however after seeing Kate Winslet's I enjoyed it better, and it is more engaging. Wardrobe, cinematography, and storyline.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    Winslet's version does a fabulous job of recreating a specific time and place. The attention to detail is outstanding.

  • @bookmouse2719
    @bookmouse2719 Жыл бұрын

    Joan always had to be perfect, Hollywood style. Working Mom with uncontrolled psychopath daughter....spoilt because her sister died.

  • @liannapfister8255
    @liannapfister82559 ай бұрын

    2:13 my favorite thing is that if you search “woman’s film” you don’t get films that fall into this sub genre; you just get films directed by women 🤦‍♀️.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    9 ай бұрын

    of course. . .why am I not surprised.

  • @briardan9226
    @briardan9226 Жыл бұрын

    Why did women back then put those rubber caps on their heads before swimming? Was there something taboo about showing wet hair? Ankles were finally okay to reveal but not wet hair? [Serious question even though I joked about it.]

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    Because they didn't want to ruin their hairstyles and set their curls again.

  • @briardan9226

    @briardan9226

    Жыл бұрын

    @@CinemaCities1978 Ahhhh ... thanks!

  • @johnzeszut3170
    @johnzeszut3170 Жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed Zachery Scott in the movie and each time I view the film I have an insatiable desire for fried chicken!

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    😂

  • @daddy2299
    @daddy2299 Жыл бұрын

    Watched this hoping I might see the value of this movie. I just couldn't understand the praise. Scott and Crawford give lacquered performances amidst Hollywood gloss. Even the great Eve Arden is just playing another version of her usual persona. One of the best 40's noir IMO is Scarlett Street. Joan Bennett's glamor works for the character. Here Crawford's glamor works against the movie. I'm sorry but I just could never buy it. She can be directed to a good performance as in The Women and Grand Hotel but her top concern seemed to always be her looks. I truly wanted to like this but I can't see past all the artifice, shoulder pads, and tailored Sears dresses.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    I rewatched some of The Women the other day and I was once again blown away by Crawford in that. There's such a relaxed naturalism to her performance that you never really see from her again. We can thank George Cukor and her real life hatred of Norma Shearer for that one.

  • @jasbegs1258
    @jasbegs1258 Жыл бұрын

    Really do not like the later version of this - give me the film noir classic of JC

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    I totally get that. The films are so different and the 2000s adaptation does move very slowly and lacks the punch and pacing of the Joan Crawford film.

  • @jasbegs1258

    @jasbegs1258

    Жыл бұрын

    @@CinemaCities1978 yes. Film noir especially by Warner Bros was so stylish.

  • @MartinCanada

    @MartinCanada

    Жыл бұрын

    Me too. The camera work (low angles), lighting and Max Steiner's very good score combine to nudge the 1945 film from a "women's picture" or "melodrama mystery" securely into WB-style noir territory. That's even before the plot rewrite (transformation!), its venal characters and their snappy dialogue. Having written that, I really like "The Sting", "Nickelodeon", "Chinatown" and their sepia-infused brethren. But they are birds of a different feather. (Thanks once again, CC78, for your video essay.)

  • @davewalter1216
    @davewalter1216 Жыл бұрын

    I'm a very bad person. I'm admitting this upfront: I don't like Joan Crawford (I would have agreed with Curtiz re casting). Not in "Dancing Lady" nor any other film after I've seen her in (I can never get enough of Gloria Grahame, but I gave up on 'Sudden Fear' because JC!). I keep trying to watch some of her films that some people rave about, but she just turns me off (haven't seen 'Flamingo Road', so maybe there is hope). I also loathe Zachary Scott, even if he did lead in 'The Southerner', he makes my flesh crawl and Renoir was off his stride. Also, I don't like James M. Cain: his novels are turgid and 'Double Indemnity" was Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler and not Cain; 'Postman' had Garfield (Lana Turner is another of my blind spots - just what was her attraction?). 'Mildred Pierce' (1945) , though, worked for me, time and again.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    She's not for everyone. But, there's nothing wrong with that. We all have our favorites and our not-so-favorites (one of mine is Robert Taylor) That being said, I don't love Crawford in everything, but I do enjoy a small selection of her films Mildred being one of them.

  • @feliciaboston6365
    @feliciaboston6365 Жыл бұрын

    It’s just sooo incredibly weird that that in the end, Mildred makes more than Monty and yet, Vida wants to get with Monty. You would think she would prefer to stay with her mom because of her moms money

  • @juanitajones6900
    @juanitajones6900 Жыл бұрын

    As much as I like the 1945 movie, I found the murder mystery unnecessary and my least favorite part of it. But I'm still a fan. I'm also a big fan of the 2011 miniseries, although I think it could have been an episode shorter.

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm with you, I love the mini series but it does star to feel a little too long.

  • @dubliners0999
    @dubliners0999 Жыл бұрын

    I loved the original. The remake? Meh.

  • @lindamattioli7943
    @lindamattioli7943 Жыл бұрын

    I liked Kate Winslet she the best. Not a fan of Joan Crawford. Ann was good in that version.

  • @lindamattioli7943

    @lindamattioli7943

    Жыл бұрын

    Your channel is the movie channel.

  • @CalizdeM
    @CalizdeM Жыл бұрын

    The remake with Kate Winslet is so much better!

  • @allegory6393

    @allegory6393

    5 ай бұрын

    Completely defangs the erotic (narcissistic-incestuous) charge between mother and daughter. The original, navigating the Hayes code and censorship, came up with a far more infernal and perverse story than the Winslet (whom I find hammy) version.

  • @larry1824
    @larry1824 Жыл бұрын

    Kate's closer to book but I gotta stick with Joanie😅

  • @CinemaCities1978

    @CinemaCities1978

    Жыл бұрын

    Joan Crawford is a wonderful Mildred.

  • @larry1824

    @larry1824

    Жыл бұрын

    @@CinemaCities1978 astounding. But katies no slouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @Garsons-oq4lh

    @Garsons-oq4lh

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@Larry yes Kate's is closer to the book. However, author James M. Cain approved of Joan's which is something Kate will never have.

  • @larry1824

    @larry1824

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Garsons-oq4lh true true

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