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'Mildred Pierce': Did Kate Winslet, Evan Rachel Wood live up to Joan Crawford, Ann Blyth?
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The five-part HBO miniseries "Mildred Pierce" premiered Sunday night (March 27). It is a retelling of the classic 1945 movie of the same name, though it's not a remake. It is more James M. Cain's 1941 novel come to life.The 1945 version won Joan Crawford her only Oscar in the title role, a woman who kicks her cheating husband out and must make her way in the Great Depression while raising two daughters. Mildred's love for, and simultaneously being at odds with, her eldest daughter Veda (Ann Blyth) is the key relationship, as Veda is headstrong, ambitious and materialistic. Blyth was also nominated for an Oscar for her role.
Kate Winslet and Evan Rachel Wood have the roles of Mildred and Veda in HBO's new offering. As the miniseries spans 10 years, Veda is played by younger actress Morgan Turner at first, but Wood takes over when she reaches young adulthood.
Not only is Winslet extremely believable as the strong, proud Mildred, but she takes what is a very famous role and makes it her own. Wood was also a highlight, as was recent Oscar-winner Melissa Leo as Mildred's neighbor and Mare Winningham as a waitress who befriends and helps Pierce. Quinn McColgan was also quite charming in her acting debut as the younger Pierce daughter, Ray.
Sunday night's premiere showcased parts I and II and if you missed them, try to catch up during the week. It is another fine miniseries offering from HBO. If you didn't miss it, let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Photo/Video credit: HBO
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I read the book and in it Mildred has a certain sexiness underneath her rather plain exterior.. Kate Winslet is good in the part but I don't see much sexiness.l
I thought it was much better than the Joan Crawford version. I read the book many years ago. The mini-series is very faithful to the novel. I hope they use my favorite line. Mildred says to Veda" the hand that holds the money is the hand that cracks the whip".
I think it was a great clip,3 generations,my grandmother,mother ,and myself watched it together. We enjoyed it so much,and were left hanging as my grandma said with the ending of part two! Can't wait to see the rest.
"as Ann is a headstrong, ambitious and materialistic" - i think you meant Veda and either add a noun or drop the "a"
loved it, can't wait until next week,Kate Winslet and the entire cast are great.
Viva HBO
Brilliant. Kate is a masterful actor. I saw the Joan Crawford version last night on TCM and they are both excellent and different enough for each to be their own.
Kate is brilliant. Guy Pearce is a fine actor but miscast for this role!
Ummm, as usual, a Zap2it reviewer hasn't watched what they are reviewing or only watched 15 minutes of it! Even Rachel Wood has not appeared in Parts 1 or 2. Way to go. Please pay attention.
I watched that dreck. I can't find the words to say how bad the first two hours of Mildred Pierce was. The acting was terrible, the dialogue abysmal. Are you all delusional?
Kate Winslet is almost certain to win an Emmy and Golden Globe for her role... brilliant performance.