With the Hays code, the film adaptation of James M. Cain’s novel had to be changed to depict Mildred Pierce in a less sympathetic light. More than half a century later, Todd Haynes teamed up with HBO to pick up the book and adapt it once again. Kate Winslet may not have the stern determination Judy Crawford had in depicting the title character, but her rendition, along with a script more faithful to the novel, transforms Mildred into an indulgent mother who, like many parents, would go to the ends of the earth for her devotion to Veda moving up a higher class, though hopefully not at the same expense Mildred allows Veda to take from her. With more time to expand on the characterization and on the class divide, Haynes’ Mildred Pierce unearths more of what the classic film failed to depict, and stands on its own as great television.
"Whatever Mildred Pierce's weaknesses, there's no denying its sensual dazzle."
— Emily Nussbaum
"After a plodding start, Mildred becomes increasingly absorbing. And while creative license to be more explicit isn't always an asset, in this case... the effect is to render key moments and acts of betrayal more startling and powerful."
— Brian Lowry
Mildred Pierce depicts an overprotective, self-sacrificing mother during the Great Depression who finds herself separated from her husband, opening a restaurant of her own and falling in love with a man, all the while trying to earn her spoiled, narcissistic daughter's love and respect.
California, 1930s. After divorcing her cheating husband, young mother Mildred Pierce decides to open a restaurant, which tears at her strained relationship with her ambitious daughter Veda.
Veda is such a hateful character, but with Dilber Yunus’ and Sumi Jo’s voices behind her coloratura opera, you can understand how such a character can actually succeed even with how snobbish and terrible she acts towards the mom that provided for her.
Maybe it’s because Game of Thrones released the same year, but Mildred Pierce is criminally underrated.
Oscars
1 win, 4 nominations
Berlin
1 nomination
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
NYFCC
1 nomination
