VLVL2 (14) Movie(s) of the Week, 271-274

[Paul Mackin]

On Thu, 2004-02-26 at 04:32, Paul Nightingale wrote:

> Cf Zoyd in the hotel scene with Frenesi: "'Feel like Mildred Pierce's
> husband, Bert,' is how Zoyd described his inner feelings ..." (57). I
> pointed out at the time that Zoyd, drawing on Frenesi's (and his own)
> knowledge of film history, is alluding to the fact that, at the end of MP,
> the errant wife returns to her forgiving husband.


> In each case the reference frames experience in terms of its cultural
> representation, as performance. For Zoyd an attempt to communicate with his
> wife, but also wishful thinking.


Yes, wishful thinking about an estranged couple eventually reconciling
is about as specific as the film comparison can be. Because it was Bert
who was unfaithful to Mildred and a poor provider for the family, which
was why Mildred divorced him and went on to became successful in
business. And Mildred not Bert raised the daughter--disastrously it
turned out. 

Perhaps the movie DOES apply in some way nobody has put his or her
finger on.

Death of Brock?  Doubt it but who knows . . . 

The James M. Cain novel rather than the film version might have had more
relevance to the Wheeler family. Mildred was more promiscuous and
opportunistic in the book.