Mommie Dearest

'Mommie Dearest' is biographical movie directed by Frank Perry and released in 1981. It's an adaptation of the book about actress Jane Crawford written by her own child, Christina Crawford, and published in 1978. The film follows Crawford since she adopted Christina and her brother, and how her complicated temper made her abuse her children and always put her film career before them.

The film stars Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford and it's a tricky movie, since its perception has evolved with time. After its release the film was destroyed by critics, noting its melodramatic tone and exaggerated performances. After a poor premiere, Paramount decided to change its marketing campaign and promote the film as a comedy instead, achieving a 25 million dollars grossing against its 10 million dollar budget.

Considered then as one of the worst films in history, 'Mommie Dearest' was nominated to 9 Razzie Awards in its second edition, winning 5, including Worst Picture and Worst Actress for Faye Dunaway, However, as time has passed and people has come to know the real personality of Joan Crawford the movie has become a cult film. What was then criticized is now praised. And nowadays many critics consider the film as a terror movie where Faye Dunaway's impressive performance is the highlight.