Review of Mildred Pierce (1945) by Matthew D — 04 Jul 2009
A dynamic Oscar-winning performance by Joan Crawford and source material by James Cain [Double Indemnity, The Postman Always Rings Twice] makes MILDRED PIERCE a classic. Titular character Mildred Pierce [Joan Crawford] is among several suspects in the murder of her second husband, Monte Burganon.
Retold through a series of varying-lit flashbacks -- which lie in noticeable contrast to the gloomy, smoke-filled interrogations at the police station -- Mildred weaves a story of social mobility, love, and lust; it boasts so many twists and turns that some present-day viewers may not expect its shocking ending -- "shocking" both by past and present-day standards.
MILDRED PIERCE is a testament to how everything just works: Cain's source material is enthralling, all of the major supporting players [Ann Blyth, in particular, as Crawford's spoiled eldest daughter is deliciously evil] provide wonderful performances, and Curtiz's direction is, as always, superior.
MILDRED PIERCE is classic Hollywood at its most decadent, its most sinister, and its most seductive. [~M, April 2009].
This review of Mildred Pierce (1945) was written by Matthew D on 04 Jul 2009.
Mildred Pierce has generally received very positive reviews.
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