Review of Mildred Pierce (1945) by Jack C — 14 Mar 2012

'Mildred Pierce' is an odd cookie.

Whilst it shares many attributes with typical noir, it has enough new ideas to give it another feel. One of these is the undiminished Joan Crawford, who is excellent, in a pure acting role which indulges in melodrama, yet draws the audience in. Even though her character is essentially driven by petty desires (namely, her daughter) her panache and drive keeps the plot rolling. Ann Blyth is also a comading force, delivering a vile femme fatale, expertly hidden by her innocent statue. The male roles also excel, being typically devious, and suiting of the buisness world Mildred involves herself in.

Cinematography is excellent, of paticular note is the early scene on the pier, where shadows and light meld to make a true shade of grey.

While some of the plot-twists are rather stoic, Mildred Pierce is a fantastic example of noir, and a classic film to boot. A must-see.