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Kate Winslet: A Thoroughly Modern Millie

By Cindy Davis | Posted Under Trailers | Comments (12)

katemillie.jpg

When Melissa Leo blames her Academy Award f-bomb on her “Mildred Pierce” co-star, Kate Winslet, somehow it only makes Kate more attractive. The crush object of men and women alike apparently curses like a sailor and Leo says she picked it up like just another accent (though I’m thinking Melissa was cursing way before she met Kate). And in the on-set visit (video below), Winslet’s “Mildred Pierce” fellow cast members rave about her comedic antics, claiming that she had them rolling with laughter. I defy anyone not to fall in love with her.

The HBO miniseries, based on James M. Cain’s 1941 novel, chronicles the struggles of a Depression era divorced, single mother who does everything she can to be a success on her own—transforming herself from housewife to business woman. Obsessed with her daughter Veda (Evan Rachel Wood), Mildred eventually suffers the consequences of raising an extremely spoiled, self-centered child who, instead of returning her affection, has only disdain for her mother. Guy Pearce plays Monty Beragon, the wealthy playboy Mildred falls for; Melissa Leo, Mare Winningham, Hope Davis, Brían F. O’Byrne and James LeGros also co-star. Director Todd Haynes (I’m Not There, Velvet Goldmine, Far From Heaven) directed and wrote the five-part miniseries that is expected to follow Cain’s novel more closely than did the 1945 film that won Joan Crawford a Best Actress Academy Award.

Here’s the latest trailer:

An on-set visit:

And when you have the time, I highly recommend this in-depth video commentary of the cast and crew discussing the making of what looks to be a gorgeously detailed production. I practically salivated over the costumes (and definitely did slobber over Kate and Guy).

“Mildred Pierce” begins on HBO, March 27th at 9 p.m. EST.









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Comments

Everyone who hasn't seen the Kate Winslet episode of Extras is missing out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPTV8PZo-Tc

Posted by: Three-nineteen at March 2, 2011 5:52 PM

Decent actress, needs to lose some wight.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at March 2, 2011 7:24 PM

/fail

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at March 2, 2011 7:24 PM

i hadn't heard of this. so very very stoked. the novel was brilliant. this cast is sumptuous. HBO is reliable. no gamble.

Posted by: idleprimate at March 2, 2011 7:43 PM

Oh dear. I love Kate Winslet like I love dark chocolate and theme parks, but I also love "Mildred Pierce" with Joan Crawford somethin' fierce. I recall a lot less undressing in the original movie.

Posted by: Dingles at March 2, 2011 8:12 PM

OMG. When I saw the header, I panicked. I adore Kate Winslet, but not even she would make a remake of the fabulous Thoroughly Modern Millie (starring Julie Andrews) acceptable. I am so relieved.

Posted by: Samantha at March 2, 2011 8:35 PM

Just me or director Todd Haynes looks a lot like Mark Hammill?

Posted by: Fredo at March 2, 2011 8:40 PM

"not even she would make a remake of the fabulous Thoroughly Modern Millie (starring Julie Andrews) acceptable. I am so relieved."

O my God. Totallyyyy. Kate Winslet is NOT Julie Andrews. There is only ONE!!!!

Posted by: klingonfree at March 2, 2011 10:25 PM

"Decent actress, needs to lose some wight."

That's what you get for partying with the wildlings beyond the Wall.

Posted by: Pippa at March 3, 2011 1:03 AM

Uhhm okay.

Kate Winslet & Evan Rachel Wood are both good ladies & that's a big plus.

The other thing is that it's an HBO series, so it can't be all that bad. but come on. Mildred Pierce? why can't they simply leave the good classics alone?

Despite how good an actress Ms Winslet is, there's just no way in the world that she can top legend Joan Crawford's permormance. it ain't happening.

I don't know, the whole thing has an ominous "failed remake" cloud that looms above it. but I'll watch it. just out of sheer curiosity

Posted by: tities at March 3, 2011 6:21 AM

Watch 'Romance & Cigarettes' - directed by John Turturro - and you will get a dose of the Winslet in full, foul-mouthed comedic display. It's brilliant. The movie itself is full-on messy fun, with a side of James Gandolfini you wouldn't imagine. Go! Now!

Posted by: tao at March 3, 2011 10:57 AM

BSlim: I believe Mildred Pierce was supposed to be a bit chunky. Then again, from Wikipedia:


Wight is a Middle English word, from Old English wiht, and used to describe a creature or living sentient being. It is akin to Old High German wiht, meaning a creature or thing. (So she needs to lose her thing?)

In its original usage the word wight described a living human being. More recently, the word has been used within the fantasy genre of literature to describe undead or wraith-like creatures: corpses with a part of their decayed soul still in residence, often draining life from their victims. Notable examples of this include the undead Barrow-Wights from the works of J. R. R. Tolkien and the wights of Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. (So she needs to lose her decayed soul?)

The English word is cognate with other Germanic words like Dutch wicht, German Wicht, Old Norse vættir, and Swedish vätte. Modern High German Wicht means 'small person, dwarf,' and also 'unpleasant person,' while in Low German the word means 'girl.' The Wicht, Wichtel or Wichtelchen of Germanic folklore is most commonly translated into English as an imp, a small, shy character who often does helpful domestic chores when nobody is looking (as in the Tale of the Cobbler's Shoes). (So she needs to lose Warwick Davis who was doing her laundry?)

Posted by: BWeaves at March 3, 2011 11:08 AM