Mildred Pierce (2011): An Overview

About Mildred Pierce

"Mildred Pierce" is an American drama mini-series that was released in 2011, exploring the life of a middle-class woman who attempts to maintain her family's social status during the Great Depression. The series, adapted from James M. Cain's 1941 novel of the same name, stands out due to its captivating plotline, intriguing characters, and high-quality production.

Making / Production

"Mildred Pierce" was directed by Todd Haynes and jointly produced by Todd Haynes, Pamela Koffler, and Christine Vachon. The series was produced under MGM Television and released by HBO. The script, written by Todd Haynes and Jon Raymond, superbly captured the essence of 1930s Southern California, depicted in an intimate, family drama.

Actors

• Kate Winslet as Mildred Pierce: Kate Winslet brought life to the title character Mildred Pierce, a hardworking mother, with a nuanced and compelling performance.
• Guy Pearce as Monty Beragon: Guy Pearce portrayed Monty Beragon, a wealthy playboy, capturing the character's charm and frivolity.
• Veda Pierce as Morgan Turner: Morgan Turner played the younger version of Veda, Mildred's elder daughter, with a clarity that highlighted her character's complexity.
• Evan Rachel Wood as Veda Pierce: Evan Rachel Wood played the elder version of Veda, showcasing the character's ambition and pretensions brilliantly.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series was shot over 16 weeks in New York.
• For her performance in the series, Kate Winslet had to learn how to make pies.
• "Mildred Pierce" marks the first collaboration between Kate Winslet and Todd Haynes.

Awards

"Mildred Pierce" was well-received by critics and audiences alike and garnered numerous accolades. Most notably, Kate Winslet won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie, and the series won the award for Outstanding Art Direction for a Miniseries or Movie.

Quotes

• "To get what you want, you have to give everything else up, first." - Mildred Pierce
• "Money doesn't buy happiness." - Monty Beragon
• "Everyone's beneath me, but that's a position with which I am familiar." - Veda Pierce

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack of the series was composed by Carter Burwell, known for his collaborations with the Coen brothers.
• The main theme is a haunting melody that perfectly encapsulates the mood of the series.
• The soundtrack features various popular songs of the 1930s, enriching the historical atmosphere of the series.