Mommie Dearest

 “MOMMIE DEAREST” is one of those “bad” movies you can’t help liking!  Everything about the film is over-the-top.  Faye Dunaway stars and chews scenery as that famous scenery chewer, “Joan Crawford”, in this adaptation of her adopted daughter, Christina’s autobiography.  It’s obvious that at least in Christina’s eyes, her mom was somewhat of a monster, but it’d Dunaway’s performance that allows the viewer to cringe with fear, just like the actress playing young Christina, when hearing the famous line, “No more wire hangers!”   

 Director Frank Perry moves the film along at a decent enough, if slightly labored pace, and the production design is outstanding. 

 PARAMOUNT has preserved the film’s 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  Although color values tend to be restrained in spots, they come to life and complement the elaborate production design in many scenes, with real vibrancy.  The contrast is fine, but blacks and grays should’ve been deeper than they are here. 

The film’s original monaural soundtrack has been remixed for Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, as well as an option to be heard in the original format.  The surround effects are minimal, with rear speakers used mostly to boost the music, but there are a few instances where directional effects enhance the film’s eerie atmosphere.