Mildred Pierce

Frank’s Film Review: Mildred Pierce
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Joan Crawford’s career was hanging by a thread when she took on the role of Mildred Pierce in 1945. After parting ways with MGM and being branded “box office poison,” she had everything to prove—and Warner Bros. gave her the chance to do it. But let’s be clear: Crawford didn’t just walk into this role. She fought for it. At a time when playing a mother to a teenage daughter was seen as unflattering, many actresses turned it down. Crawford, however, saw the potential. Even director Michael Curtiz, who at first dismissed her as a Hollywood relic, couldn’t ignore her talent after watching her screen test. What followed was a performance that not only reignited her career but also earned her the Academy Award.

The film itself is a masterful blend of film noir and melodrama, opening with a murder that immediately hooks the viewer and unfolding its story through a series of flashbacks. At its heart, Mildred Pierce is about a woman who refuses to quit. She builds a restaurant empire from scratch, driven by her love for her two daughters. But that love—so pure, so consuming—becomes her Achilles’ heel. The story is as much about the sacrifices a mother makes as it is about the dangers of unchecked ambition and entitlement. It’s a tale of family, love, betrayal, and heartbreak, with twists that keep you riveted until the very end.

Joan Crawford doesn’t just play Mildred Pierce—she is Mildred Pierce. Her performance is a masterclass in emotional depth, striking a balance between fierce determination and raw vulnerability. You feel every ounce of her struggle, every heartbreak, every triumph. But it’s not just her acting that captivates—it’s her presence. Crawford’s beauty, framed by the film’s exquisite noir lighting, is unforgettable. The way the shadows carve out her cheekbones and highlight her expressive eyes is pure cinematic magic.

The supporting cast is equally stellar. Ann Blyth is chilling as Veda, Mildred’s manipulative daughter, while Eve Arden brings sharp wit and warmth as Mildred’s loyal friend, Ida. And let’s not forget Bruce Bennett, who plays her husband. Every detail, from the costumes to the set design, works in harmony to create a world that feels both authentic and larger-than-life.

When Mildred Pierce premiered, it became an instant box office sensation, earning $5.6 million—a remarkable achievement for its time. More importantly, it resonated with audiences, especially women, who saw their own struggles and sacrifices reflected in Mildred’s journey.

At a time when Hollywood often sidelined women over 30, Joan Crawford shattered expectations by proving that a strong, multifaceted female lead could not only carry a film but also dominate the cultural conversation. Her portrayal of Mildred Pierce wasn’t just a remarkable comeback; it was a bold declaration of resilience and talent. In reclaiming her place in Hollywood, Crawford not only revived her own career but also paved the way for more complex female characters in cinema. The legacy of Mildred Pierce endures as a testament to the transformative power of determination, both on and off the screen.

Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor based in Seattle, Washington. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://www.FrankGaimari.com.