“Mildred Pierce.” / "MotherFatherSon.”

“Mildred Pierce” (HBO) historical drama miniseries created/directed by Todd Haynes, adapted from James M. Cain's 1941 novel of the same name. Story is about the titular heroine (Kate Winslet), a divorcée during the Great Depression struggling to establish a restaurant business while yearning for the respect of her narcissistic elder daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). There was a previous 1945 film noir version, starring Joan Crawford but I didn't see it.

       Besides remarkable acting by, as usual, Ms Winslet, I still find it hard to grasp the storyline or the behavioral rationales of the main characters. Or the mother and daughter. relationship here. 

       Mildred Pierce depicts an overprotective, self-sacrificing mother and separated wife during those harsh years yet I didn't really see the harshness in Mildred's “struggles” that are so different from current life. Moreover, I can't also grasp the depth of the mom/child conflict. But maybe if I read the book, I may? 

       Yet this movie earned several acting and production awards and nominations. Still, a fine series to watch. 🎥💻🎥

"MotherFatherSon" (Amazon Prime) political/family drama. Follows a media mogul, Max Finch (Richard Gere), his ex-wife Kathryn (Helen McCrory), and their troubled son Caden (Billy Howle) as Caden's self-destructive lifestyle leads to a stroke, threatening Max's powerful media empire and the family's future. The story delves into the complex dynamics of their fractured family and the political implications of Max's media power. 

       Although the story trajectory zooms in on the media as political power brokers, the conscience center of this intense series is the family. Not in the mold of the Roys in “Succession” but more an internal hell in the 3-person Finch sort of family. 

       Acting is stellar: Mr Gere, Ms McCrory, and especially Mr Howle as the mentally tortured and emotionally lost 30-year-old son. 🎥💻📽