Mildred Pierce
Kate Winslet as Mildred Pierce
Sky Atlantic brings us another glossy HBO drama next month, featuring Oscar-winning actresses and a heart-wrenching storyline.
Mildred Pierce is based on the classic 1941 novel by James M. Cain. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the story follows a single mother who leaves her unemployed, cheating husband in order to provide for her children during the tough times of The Great Depression. Despite finding success as a restaurant owner and gaining a new love in her life, she is overcome by her inability to earn the love and respect of her eldest daughter.
The story was first adapted for the big screen in 1945. Joan Crawford earned an Academy Award for her portrayal of the lead character. HBO has now made a five-part miniseries starring Kate Winslet, an Academy Award winner herself, and directed by Todd Haynes. Guy Pearce plays Mildred’s new love interest, Monty; and Evan Rachel Wood stars as the spoiled and ungrateful daughter, Veda. This year’s Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, Melissa Leo, also stars. If the acting talent doesn’t get you on board, the stunning costumes and classy set certainly will:
Melissa Leo is the greatest! Since Melissa dropped the “F” bomb at the Oscars and then blamed Kate Winslet as a result of the time they had spent together on the set of Mildred Pierce (see Melissa on the Ellen Degeneres Show and Kate’s congratulatory text to Melissa), I would propose that Kate and Melissa co-host the Oscars next year! The Oscars could be rated NC-17, could begin at 3:am, EST, and the ABC censors could have physicians on hand to monitor their hearts and blood pressure.