Review of Mommie Dearest (1981) by Mike T — 16 Jul 2010

Cheddar. Feta. Pecorino Romano. And many more. Choose your cheese for 'Mommie Dearest.'.

I saw this film for the first time after being enamored by the late Mr. Charles Pierce's impersonation of the late Ms. Joan Crawford. At that time, it seemed pretty good. But in tonight's redux summer night, poolside, neighborhood screening at a friend's apartment complex in West Hollywood, all the cheesiness I blinded myself to just crawled out of the woodwork.

The film is based on the memoirs of no less than Christina Crawford, adopted daughter of Joan Crawford, herself a victim of the actress's grim penchant for perfection.

As a film produced in 1981, it seemed to me that director Frank Perry tried to capture the look and feel of a 1930's flick, acting and all, miserably. I have no idea if Ms. Crawford really acted that way, but sadly, Faye Dunaway bordered on the ludicrous, and Diana Scarwind as the adult Christina was a ham. Mara Hobel as the young Christina, however, was excellent.

Yet, there were so many dialogue highlights in the film that only a gay person can appreciate. Most popular of which is... are you ready... all together now...

"NO WIRE HANGERS!!! EVER!!!".

Take note, it is NOT "No MORE wire hangers" as many erroneously quote.

Surprisingly, I still give 'Mommie Dearest' five stars. Why? Because it is a film all gay men should see for its pop culture value, or simply just for the heck of it.

If you're going to see a film with a gay crowd outdoors on a warm summer night, it might as well be something that you can talk over on and still get laughs out of.