Mommie Dearest
Director: Frank Perry
Actors: Faye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid, Steve Forrest
PlotThe story focuses on the tumultuous relationship between a legendary Hollywood actress and her adopted daughter. Beginning in the lavish and glamorous world of the 1940s film industry, the actress maintains a meticulously controlled public persona while privately becoming obsessed with perfectionism. Her determination to maintain a spotless image extends into her home life, where she demands absolute obedience and strict discipline from her children. The young daughter, initially enamored by her mother’s larger-than-life personality, gradually realizes the intensity of her mother's demands and the psychological toll they take. Behind closed doors, what appears to be love and affection reveals itself as a harsh environment full of unrealistic expectations and verbal abuse, creating a tense atmosphere where maternal approval is conditional and unpredictable.
Over time, the daughter grows increasingly resentful of her mother’s authoritarian ways. Struggling to navigate a world dictated by her mother's iron will, she becomes determined to break free from this oppressive dynamic. Her rebellion forms a compelling coming-of-age narrative amidst the backdrop of Hollywood's golden age. The battles of will between mother and daughter create an intense drama filled with emotional highs and lows, revealing themes of ambition, family bonds, and personal freedom. As the story unravels, we witness the fragility and complexity of familial relationships intertwined with fame, highlighting how deeply aspirations and personal struggles can affect those closest to us. The film poignantly captures the impact of these turbulent dynamics without providing a tidy resolution.
Writers: Christina Crawford, Frank Yablans, Frank Perry
Release Date: 25 Sep 1981
Runtime: 129 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Mommie Dearest's Blu-ray debut delights fans with a stellar 4K remaster, enhanced audio, and ample extras, despite its divisive melodramatic excess.
Read our review of Mommie Dearest Blu-ray Paramount Presents #17 to find out more