Mommie Dearest (1981)

Director: Frank Perry
Starring: Faye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid, Steve Forrest

Synopsis:
The tumultuous childhood of the adopted daughter of screen legend Joan Crawford.

Impressions:
I was under the impression that this was a fairly well-regarded movie. Turns out I mistook well-known for well-regarded. Regardless of critical panning, multiple Razzies and the unmistakable feel of a hatchet job, I actually enjoyed it. Faye Dunaway's portrayal of a thoroughly unhinged Joan Crawford will certainly leave an impression (defamatory though it may be). While I wasn't that impressed by Diana Scarwid as the older Christina, I thought Mara Hobel did a very good job as Christina as a child. Apparently this movie went too far even by the standards of the real-life Christina Crawford, which should tell you something. If you divorce what you're seeing from reality (which shouldn't be too hard), I'd say you have a fair chance of enjoying yourself. I recommend giving it a watch.

Rating:
Watch It