Frank Perry (1) (1930–1995)

An excellently written, directed and acted story of social alienation and the emptiness of upward mobility. Written by Eleanor Perry (from the novel by Sue Kaufman) and directed by Frank Perry the film stars Carrie Snodgress as Tina Balser, the long-suffering wife of the obnoxious, pretentious, social-climbing Jonathan (Richard Benjamin). Living a horrendous life of quiet desperation she begins an affair with handsome poet George Prager (Frank Langella) only to find that he's just as callous show more and unfeeling as her husband. "Dairy of a Mad Housewife" is a superbly constructed story of middle class angst that works on a number of different levels - it is deals with everything from isolation within a marriage through to intellectual elitism and the pretentious need to wear the right clothes and be seen in the right circles. The Perry's manage to combines elements of black comedy, satire, drama and feminists critique, while leaving open the possibility that the whole thing could be in Tina's own mind. Frank Perry's direction is tight and economical, downbeat for the most part but building to powerful climax. The acting is first class throughout - the Oscar nominated Carrie Snodgress is sensationally good in a difficult role, her anger and frustrations bubbling beneath a veneer of domestic compliance; Richard Benjamin is obnoxiously perfect as the ultra-critical, verbally-abusive, socially-obsessed husband and Frank Langella as the poet is the epitome of ugly self-centredness. "Dairy of a Mad Housewife" works exceptionally well thanks to the highly controlled script and the measured direction. The characters and situations are well developed, with the film employing clever nuance and allusion to deliver its story and message. Although the end of the film doesn't deliver a pat resolution, it offers a very true ending that puts real perspective on everything that's gone before. A brilliant, perceptive film that deserves to be much better known than it is. show less

Oof. I saw bits of this movie on tv as a kid but it wasn't til I was an adult that I was able to see the whole thing and appreciate the story for what it was. Having an abusive mother, it was chilling to see how similar Joan Crawford's shrieking meltdown mirrored my own mother's antics. I can believe this story is real despite people who might disbelieve Christina Crawford because yes, the Mommie Dearest type of person is absolutely real.

Cast: Faye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid, Steve Forrest, Howard Da Silva; Director: Frank Perry

Faye Dunaway delivers an unforgettable portrayal of Hollywood screen icon Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest, a cult classic that alerted a generation of film fans to the dangers of wire clothes hangers. The story chronicles, in horrific detail, the actress's relationship with her adopted daughter (Diana Scarwid) who bore the brunt of Crawford's alcoholism, perfectionism, and abusive behavior. Director Frank show more Perry loosely adapted Christina Crawford's memoirs for the screen; the result is a Joan Crawford who is partly biographical and partly an amalgam of her various on-screen alter egos. The initial box-office failure of Mommie Dearest nearly destroyed Dunaway's career, but she is amazing in the role, managing to generate sympathy and understanding for the film's undeniably grotesque heroine. Most importantly, she has the kind of overwhelming star power that keeps the viewers' eyes glued to the screen. Part horror film, part melodrama, this deliciously perverse and lavishly produced spectacle is high quality camp at its most entertaining. Amy Robinson, Barnes & Noble show less

2023 movie #129. 1968. Ned (Lancaster) is visiting some neighbors 8 houses away from his own. He decides to take a swim in every pool along the way. As he get closer to his house it's clear something has gone wrong for Ned. Interesting movie. Lancaster wore only swim trunks.