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Mommie Dearest (1981)
Released By: Paramount Home Video   Rating: PG   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: Paramount Home Video
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Frank Perry
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Diana Scarwid, Faye Dunaway, Steve Forrest
Published ID: 3801
UPC: 097360126341, 097360420821, 097361384146, 097360420845,
Plot: When her adoptive mother Joan Crawford died in 1977, erstwhile actress/author Christina Crawford and her brother Christopher were left out of Joan Crawford's will, for reasons which are well known to them. Industryites have suggested that it may have been this posthumous act of rejection rather than an alleged lifetime of parental abuse that inspired Christina Crawford to pen her scathing autobiography {-Mommie Dearest}. The 1981 film version of this tome was evidently meant to be taken seriously, but the operatic direction by Frank Perry and the over-the-top portrayal of Joan Crawford by Faye Dunaway (whose makeup is remarkable) has always seemed to inspire loud laughter whenever and where-ever the film is shown. According to the film (and the book that preceded it), Joan Crawford was a licentious, child-beating behemoth, who stalked and postured through life as though it was one of her own pictures-more Strait-jacket than Mildred Pierce. This is the film with the notorious wire coat hanger scene, just in case you need a reminder. Surprisingly, one emerges from Mommie Dearest with more sympathy for the monstrous but intensely vulnerable Crawford than for her whining daughter (played as an adult by Diana Scarwid, and as a child by Mara Hobel). Our favorite scene: Joan Crawford dazedly replacing her ailing daughter in the cast of a daytime TV soap opera. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
right on protrayal
Added 2/6/2010

Faye Dunaway is perfect in this role no one could have done this role at all!!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Brand Spanking New Condition
Added 1/30/2010

Received in what appeared to be brand new condition, even though I purchased the item "used".
Wonderful transaction. Quick delivery.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
"You are not getting up from your chair until you have watched this movie!!!"
Added 1/16/2010

Such a great film that is a must have and must see. Faye Dunaway stars as Joan Crawford, who was one of Hollywood's most popular legends of American cinema. The acting is superb, and all of the actors were terrific also. Faye looked very identical to Joan Crawford, with the makeup, and was so wonderful, I don't think any other actress would have played the role the way she did. I have learned that Faye does not want to discuss this film with anyone--fans or any person interviewing her. Why she doesn't want to discuss the subject of this movie is anyone's guess. Some reports have said that she disowns the movie, she was hurt by the critics, etc. But personally, I feel that Faye was so wonderful in the role and that she did a fabulous job. The special features are a great addition to this collection as well. You learn about the behind the scenes of the film, as well as the thoughts of Frank Yablans, Diana Scarwid, Rutanya Alda, and John Waters (who gave an excellent audio commentary during the movie). There's also John Epperson (aka "Lipsynka", who dresses almost like Joan Crawford, giving his views on the film). A must have for anyone who is a fan of Faye Dunaway or Joan Crawford.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Mommie Dearest (DVD)
Added 1/14/2010

If Your looking for a classic Dramatic film, this DVD has it.

The film is a timeless classic, it nails the look of 40ish~50ish Nostalgic Hollywood scene dead on. The cinematography is magnificent, as well as the production design. It's really too bad that the movie is unpopular with mainstream movie audiences. However, it is noted on the DVD extra-materials to be a very popular cult following in the gay community, although I see nothing in the film that remotely ties this to being gay, perhaps one exception that in the supplemental extras there are clips from the original film "Johnny Guitar", so Joan looks to be a little on the "BUTCH" side of things. Faye Dunaway is not My favorite actress, but this movie is Hers, She owns it flat out. It has made Me wanting to take a closer look at Her other films. Diana Scarwid is amazing as Christina Crawford, not to mention the child actress that portrays Young Christina. Diana also starred in the 1983 film Psycho III, which shows She is a very versatile actress.

"No more wire hangers", just thinking about that scene brings chills down the spine. Warning, this film depicts extreme child abuse, and You will find Yourself getting very angry at the Mother, and Crying for the Daughter. I remember seeing this film with My mother when it first came out in the theaters. I couldn't help but identify with the Christina character, Yes, there are mothers just like Joan!

The extra-material supplements are actually quite informative, unfortunately, Faye Dunaway is no where to be seen or heard in any of the featured interviews. For some reason, She has disowned the film.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Mommie Dearest
Added 1/6/2010

A portrayal of the actress Joan Crawford as a screaming witch-mother who abuses her kids. This movie is fantastic. One cannot help but be glued to the screen. Miss Dunaway is superb; every gesture, every stare, every glance. It's a great movie, with some of the most memorable scenes. A true masterpiece.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
right on protrayal
Added 2/6/2010

Faye Dunaway is perfect in this role no one could have done this role at all!!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Brand Spanking New Condition
Added 1/30/2010

Received in what appeared to be brand new condition, even though I purchased the item "used".
Wonderful transaction. Quick delivery.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
"You are not getting up from your chair until you have watched this movie!!!"
Added 1/16/2010

Such a great film that is a must have and must see. Faye Dunaway stars as Joan Crawford, who was one of Hollywood's most popular legends of American cinema. The acting is superb, and all of the actors were terrific also. Faye looked very identical to Joan Crawford, with the makeup, and was so wonderful, I don't think any other actress would have played the role the way she did. I have learned that Faye does not want to discuss this film with anyone--fans or any person interviewing her. Why she doesn't want to discuss the subject of this movie is anyone's guess. Some reports have said that she disowns the movie, she was hurt by the critics, etc. But personally, I feel that Faye was so wonderful in the role and that she did a fabulous job. The special features are a great addition to this collection as well. You learn about the behind the scenes of the film, as well as the thoughts of Frank Yablans, Diana Scarwid, Rutanya Alda, and John Waters (who gave an excellent audio commentary during the movie). There's also John Epperson (aka "Lipsynka", who dresses almost like Joan Crawford, giving his views on the film). A must have for anyone who is a fan of Faye Dunaway or Joan Crawford.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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