Mildred Pierce

Todd Haynes is very good at capturing the nostalgia and style of mid-20th century America, but it felt like often times that not a whole lot was happening to move the storyline forward and that there was unnecessary filler. Not a bad mini-series by any means and I'm to understand that it's a more true adaptation to the novel, but I preferred the 1945 version.

Haynes tells his story about class, pride and betrayal patiently, sometimes perhaps a bit too patiently. Once everything is elaborately established, he pitches for melodrama. The performances are great, of course. Winslet and Pearce are actors of the highest caliber, that we already knew. But also Emmy-worthy is O'Byrne. Remember to check out the brilliant film classic as well, preferably first.

I went into this knowing nothing and swallowed all five episodes. Winslet is nothing but (as usual) amazing. Todd Haynes has created a small masterpiece in a time where long TV-series holds the fort as our chosen form of entertainment...

to hell with her! Really.

Like all Haynes' projects, this one is sumptuous and gorgeous and beautifully acted and emotionally resonant and startlingly detail-oriented. Winslet is so good (as usual).

A good adaptation of a great book. The man who does the best work here is Todd Haynes, whose distinctive visuals and recreation of the time period is really impressive. There are a lot of good performances here. Obviously Winslet is very good, though something about her bothers me and I just don't know how to explain it...My favorite is Brian F. O'Byrne, who gives Bert Pierce layers of meaning that are absent in the novel.

Fine acting by Kate Winslet and always pleasant Melissa Leo supporting her. The first episode was a bit theatrical, but otherwise nice directing. Some parts were a bit still water though. Veda's part was well developed although the shocking end was evident.

Sumptuous adaptation. After watching this I feel like I know the 30s better than the current decade. Several of the characters may not be very sympathetic but by golly their tale packs a big dramatic punch. It's a very big portion of Winslet to stomach, but it's all chicken and no waffle (i.e. a meaty performance - a good thing). The support is great but a few more lighter side dishes might have been nice. The scope is so epic it's hard to digest it all, but top class work from all involved.

I just don't think there was six hours of story here. It's meticulously produced and has a handful of gripping moments spread throughout the entirety (and of course Kate Winslet is good, but at this point that's like praising water for being blue), but there's tons of sigh-and-check-the-time dead air. I wish they'd made it four hours instead.

Kate Winslet and director Todd Haynes were the reason I started this mini-series and Winslet's the main reason I watched it 'til the end. She's impeccable as she always is. Mildred Pierce brings the hardships of a mother and the unconditional love for her children (even if the love isn't equally reciprocated) closer. I couldn't quite comprehend Veda's nearly psychopathic behavior towards her mother, though and the story was dragged out a little too long. Still, pretty nice mini-series.

"I'm not saying it's a solid adaptation. I'm saying it's the reason the story is still in the public lexicon." http://illusionpodcast.blogspot.com/2016/01/episode-87-mildred-pierce-from-michael.html

Started strong and then fell apart, turned to a soap opera.

Six hours long with one minute of pure evil.

So much better than the 1940s movie adaptation in every way, and it's so rare to see a TV production of such caliber, and with such themes, even on HBO and even though it's practically a movie (with Ed Lachman shooting, Carter Burwell composing and Kate Winslet in the lead) by a great director (think Bergman's or Fassbinder's TV works). Virtually on par with Haynes' theatrical period pieces "Far From Heaven" and "Carol", and equally as Sirkian.