Mommie Dearest Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cleanliness-obsessed movie star adopts children solely for publicity, then terrorizes them with wire hangers and floor-scrubbing marathons, culminating in a disinheritance so dramatic it warrants a tell-all book and a hilariously terrifying movie.

🍿 Mommie Dearest: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Adoption and Early Life

The film begins with Joan Crawford, a successful Hollywood actress, adopting Christina after being denied by adoption agencies. Crawford believes her own harsh upbringing made her stronger and intends to raise Christina with discipline, despite the luxuries her career affords. She aims to instill resilience rather than coddle her, but her methods soon become extreme. The narrative sets the stage for a tumultuous relationship marked by Crawford’s controlling nature.

Escalating Abuse and Control

As Christina grows, Joan’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and abusive, fueled by the pressures of her career and her alcoholism. Seemingly minor infractions lead to explosive outbursts, such as the infamous ‘No wire hangers!’ incident. Crawford’s obsession with cleanliness and control manifests in disturbing ways, creating a toxic environment for Christina. The storyline progresses through various incidents highlighting the physical and emotional abuse Christina endures.

Boarding School and Rebellion

Christina is sent to boarding school, offering a brief respite from her mother’s control. However, Joan’s influence remains pervasive, and even a minor transgression leads to Christina’s expulsion and further conflict. As Christina matures, she begins to recognize her mother’s alcoholism and the depth of her issues. Joan’s attempts to sabotage Christina’s budding acting career exacerbate the strained relationship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joan Crawford (Faye Dunaway): A driven, perfectionistic, and increasingly erratic Hollywood actress who adopts children but struggles with motherhood, exhibiting abusive behavior towards her daughter.
• Christina Crawford – Adult (Diana Scarwid): The adult Christina is the long suffering daughter of Joan, struggling to come to terms with her traumatic upbringing and her mother’s controlling nature.
• Christina Crawford – Child (Mara Hobel): The young Christina is the adopted daughter of Joan, who is on the receiving end of her mother’s perfectionism and anger.
• Greg Savitt (Steve Forrest): Joan Crawford’s lover and lawyer who aids in Christina’s adoption but eventually departs due to her erratic behavior.
• Carol Ann (Rutanya Alda): Crawford’s loyal, but passive, housekeeper and confidante who witnesses the abusive relationship between Joan and Christina.
• L.B. Mayer (Howard Da Silva): The powerful head of MGM studios who fires Joan, contributing to her instability and triggering her abusive outbursts.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joan Crawford: “No wire hangers, ever!” – Joan’s iconic outburst upon discovering Christina’s dresses hanging on wire hangers, showcasing her obsession with perfection and order.
• Joan Crawford: “Tina, bring me the axe!” – Said during a fit of rage, as Joan destroys her rose garden, showing her uncontrollable anger and dramatic nature.
• Joan Crawford: “I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at the dirt!” – Joan’s bizarre explanation while forcing Christina to scrub the bathroom floor, highlighting her obsession with cleanliness.
• Joan Crawford: “Don’t fuck with me fellas. This ain’t my first time at the rodeo.” – Said during a board meeting at PepsiCo, demonstrating her fierce determination and business acumen.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $19,032,261
• Worldwide Gross: $19,034,156

💥 Mommie Dearest Reviews

Personal Review

I’ll admit, the first time I saw ‘Mommie Dearest,’ I was horrified. The wire hanger scene? I nearly jumped out of my skin! But over time, it’s become a weirdly fascinating train wreck I can’t look away from. Faye Dunaway goes full throttle, and whether it’s an accurate portrayal of Joan Crawford or not, it’s undeniably entertaining. It’s so over-the-top, you almost have to laugh (albeit nervously). Honestly, it’s one of those movies you either love to hate or hate to love… I think I’m in the former!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Faye Dunaway.”
  • “Viewers interested in Hollywood biopics, especially those focusing on controversial figures.”
  • “Those who appreciate campy, over-the-top performances.”
  • “Individuals interested in stories about mother-daughter relationships, particularly those with elements of abuse and dysfunction.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of child abuse, both physical and emotional.”
  • “Alcohol abuse.”
  • “Mature themes that may be disturbing to some viewers.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Dunaway’s portrayal of Crawford is undeniably captivating, teetering between brilliance and excess. The film, while visually striking, struggles to balance its biographical narrative with sensationalized drama, ultimately leaving a somewhat uneven and unsettling cinematic experience.
• The New York Times: “Mommie Dearest fails as a serious biopic, devolving into a camp spectacle. Dunaway’s performance, while energetic, lacks nuance, reducing Crawford to a one-dimensional caricature. The film sacrifices depth for melodrama, resulting in a shallow and exploitative depiction.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “While Dunaway commands attention, the film lacks direction and purpose. Its scattered narrative struggles to offer meaningful insights into Crawford’s life, resulting in a disturbing yet ultimately unsatisfying experience. The over-the-top moments overshadow any attempt at genuine emotional depth.

Audience Reactions

Faye Dunaway’s performance is iconic and unforgettable, even if it’s a bit terrifying.: Viewers are often shocked, yet strangely captivated by the movie’s over-the-top portrayal of child abuse and Hollywood excess.

The ‘No Wire Hangers!’ scene is a cinematic moment that’s deeply ingrained in pop culture.: Audiences either find the movie hilarious in its campiness or disturbing in its depiction of abuse.

Overall Consensus: Mommie Dearest is a controversial film that sparks debate over its portrayal of Joan Crawford. While praised for Dunaway’s performance and its camp value, it’s criticized for its sensationalism and historical accuracy.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Faye Dunaway reportedly screamed herself hoarse during the wire hanger scene and sought advice from Frank Sinatra on how to recover her voice.”
• “Christina Crawford reportedly hated the film adaptation of her book, feeling it turned into a ‘Joan Crawford movie’ rather than accurately portraying her experiences.”
• “Due to damage to the film’s master, the dramatic music during the rose garden destruction scene is missing from current video and television prints.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mommie Dearest?

Mommie Dearest is currently available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings as availability may vary. You can also find physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray through major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mommie Dearest, you might like these similar films:

• What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962): Explores the dark side of Hollywood fame and rivalry between aging actresses.
• Black Swan (2010): Features a character driven to the edge by perfectionism and the pressures of performance.
• Sunset Boulevard (1950): Focuses on the tragic downfall of a faded silent film star clinging to past glory.
• The Bad Seed (1956): Explores the theme of a disturbed child, albeit in a more thriller-oriented context, with similar dramatic tension.
• I, Tonya (2017): Presents a controversial biographical story with a complex, flawed protagonist and explores themes of ambition and abuse.

🛒 Mommie Dearest Related Products

• Feud: Bette and Joan (DVD): This captivating FX series explores the tumultuous relationship between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during the filming of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’, offering a nuanced and compelling view of Crawford beyond the ‘Mommie Dearest’ narrative.
• Joan Crawford: The Essential Collection (DVD): A curated collection of Joan Crawford’s most iconic films, showcasing her range and talent beyond the infamous portrayal in ‘Mommie Dearest’. Includes classics like ‘Mildred Pierce,’ ‘Possessed,’ and ‘The Women.’
• Mommie Dearest Inspired Wire Hanger Ornament: A quirky, handcrafted wire hanger Christmas tree ornament. This tongue-in-cheek ornament adds a touch of dark humor to your holiday decorations.
• Mommie Dearest Movie Poster (Reprint): A high-quality reprint of the original theatrical poster. Great for home theatres and movie rooms.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mommie Dearest features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I’m Sitting On Top Of The World” – performed by Sam Lewis, Joe Young & Ray Henderson
• “Main Title” – performed by Henry Mancini
• “Mildred Pierce theme” – performed by Max Steiner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Best 6 1/2 minutes of Mommie Dearest

Want to see the most over-the-top and iconic moments from ‘Mommie Dearest’ without watching the whole movie? This 6-minute clip reels you in, it’s got all the unforgettable scenes that made it so famous. You HAVE to see the one with the wire hangers!

5 Shocking Joan Crawford Accusations You Need to Know: ‘Feud’ Revisits ‘Mommie Dearest’ | THR News

Ever wonder how much of ‘Mommie Dearest’ is based on reality? This short news clip dives into the most shocking accusations against Joan Crawford, helping you decide what to believe. It definitely makes you think about the movie differently!

The Chilling True Story Of Mommie Dearest #shorts

Want a quick rundown of the real story that inspired ‘Mommie Dearest’? This one-minute short hits the main points and will probably make you even more shocked by the movie. I think it’s a must-watch for context!

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