Winslet and Crawford as Mildred Pierce

The 1945 Michael Curtiz version will be aired by TCM on Saturday March 26th at 8 PM, which earned Joan Crawford an Oscar


The HBO new miniseries version will air Sunday March 27th at 9 PM


There was a review in my NY Daily News about the HBO film. Here's a few interesting facts:

The Series runs 6 hours (2 hours Sunday)
Todd Haynes (director) has reshaped the story more closely to the novel
It returns the story to the depressing era
Darker edges to the characters and original novel noir feel
Kate Winslet commands the screen (as strong as Crawford) and matches anything she has done
The daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) has a stronger and demanding part
The one flaw appears to be the length


Last year we discussed John Wayne and Jeff Bridges, via the "True Grit" remake, which I overwhelmingly felt was a better made over-all film. Now we have Mildred Pierce to relate with. I'm a fan of Ms. Crawford, but at the same stage of their careers I personally see Ms. Winslet's more impressive. On with the debate!

jack

As much as I love movies and I've seen many, Mildred Pierce was never one of them. Don't know why. I think I'll give this mini-series a look though.

It was a good movie with Joan Crawford and I hope I can catch the mini series with Kate Winslet.

There's many remakes that shouldn't have been remade. This is not one of them. What you like or don't like is your own opinion, but try to keep an open mind. Unfortunately, there are some classic movie lovers that will go to their grave before admitting that a remake has superseded the original. There are others that refuse to see the remake, but still offer their twenty-five cents.

The HBO miniseries develops into a powerful and astonishing film. It includes acting at the top of the pinnacle, including one of the worlds greatest actresses. The film does many things....and we have only seen the 1st and 2nd chapter....including a beautiful depiction of the 1930's.


Unlike the original this director digs deep into the details of the plot, character development and the class structure. What a joy watching Kate Winslet develop into a waitress. The supporting cast is also marvelous.


My only disappointment is this: I could have sat through the 5 part 5 hour miniseries. HBO has done many good miniseries. This is one of their best.


The above said, I do like the original, but not on the same level after watching the remake, which is not really a remake. Ms. Winslet could have played the 1945 Mildred Pierce with the same purpose and eagerness, but I doubt if Ms. Crawford could fulfill the 2011 Mildred Pierce


1945 Version 3 1/2 Stars
2011 Version 5 Stars


Jack

I started watching Mildred Pierce last night but unfortunately I feel asleep after an hour. What I have seen so far is not bad, I like Kate Winslet and she is doing a great job of acting. I have to watch the rest maybe tonight.