Queer Cinema Club #13: Mommie Dearest

With the participation of Image+Nation and MUBI Canada

Poster creation: Brianna Miller (@briannanus)

Mommie Dearest (1981) is a bold, campy, and unforgettable portrayal of the tumultuous relationship between iconic Hollywood actress Joan Crawford and her adopted daughter Christina. It’s an essential film in queer cinema, not just for its camp value but for its exploration of the complex mother-daughter relationship and its portrayal of a woman who refuses to fit into societal molds. Directed by Frank Perry and based on Christina Crawford’s memoir, the film dives deep into the darker side of Hollywood stardom, revealing a woman’s obsession with control, perfection, and the cost of fame. Faye Dunaway’s performance as Joan Crawford is a masterclass in over-the-top intensity, delivering some of cinema’s most memorable moments.