Mildred Pierce is about so many things. The endless American desire to possess things. The human quest to achieve. The need to survive. The want of living the good life. The challenges of parenting. The complexities of social class. And how greed is so deeply rooted and intertwined within.
Mildred Pierce (Joan Crawford) is a strong willed housewife who leaves her husband after his infidelity finding herself without a real career with two young children to provide for, including an avaricious teenager daughter, Veda played brilliantly evil by Ann Blyth. Mildred goes on to become a very successful, rich and hardworking restauranteur providing her Veda with all she can, but this is never good enough for Veda and others.
Although Mildred builds a successful business, she would never have the pedigree that Americans are also seemingly obsessed with, although the nation fought to separate itself from the monarchy and ideals of European aristocracy. This bring me to the wardrobe, a sort of glamorous coats and armor that wealth can provide even without the heritage. The furs, the hats, the clutches, the heels, the sartorial women's suitings, dazzling gowns and slinky dresses are mere draping.
In the end, we learn being a good stern mother is a very challenging position, especially for a single woman in black & white or color no matter what the income bracket and Mildred Pierce crossed all American classes and dreams.
See the original - Mildred Pierce.
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