Review of Mildred Pierce (1945) by Aya V — 14 Dec 2012
Mildred Pierce is a genuine noir title, and Joan Crawford's tour de force. In this film, a murderous mystery tale (told through greatly-used retrospectives) intertwines with some incredibly touching melodramatic sensations.
Mildred Pierce, a woman struggling to prove her independence and strength, wants to love and be loved, but those two don't necessarily come in pairs. Divorced and almost broke, the woman tries to persuade a wealthy lounge frequenter to help her create her own business, namely a chain of restaurants.
As time passes, she becomes successful, but still not able to please her pretentious and disobeying daughter Vida. More problems arise for Mildred, and she gradually begins to understand that the only way out of the whole mess might be the most dangerous one.
Mildred Pierce is a valuable noir movie, and a fantastic socially conscious cinematic achievement. The psychological aspects are a many, but their true value comes with wonderful performances, low-key lightning and moody cinematography that is as disturbing as it is acute.
Mildred Pierce brings a story that influenced many related films, and developed into a classic in a short period of time.
This review of Mildred Pierce (1945) was written by Aya V on 14 Dec 2012.
Mildred Pierce has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
