Saturday, August 04, 2007

Joan Crawford: tainted forever?


I spent last night overdosing on Turner Classic Movies, one of my favorite things to do when I am not feeling well. And what a treat I had last night: it was Joan Crawford night.
Joan Crawford will forever be known as Mommie Dearest, not for the incredible actress she was. And whether or not M.D. is a deserved moniker, it is difficult to see beyond her faults as a mother.
And what were some of Joan's strengths?
- Joan was a hard-working actress who grew up in a laundry to become one of the nation's most talented actresses (even though she never went to acting school).
- Joan earned an Academy Award for her stellar performance in Mildred Pierce.
- Joan played evil and sweet characters equally well. One of my favorite performances is her interpretation of Harriet Craig in which she maintains a tightly-run household.
No doubt, Joan Crawford was plagued by the demons of perfectionism, chased the spotlight, and drank too much. But she gave the world some of the finest cinematic performances anyone has ever dared to conceive.

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