Classic Movies “Frances” (1982) Hollywood’s First Wild Child!
Ranked #48,112 in Entertainment, #569,187 overall
Introducing..."Frances"
The Hollywood actress Frances Farmer was both an icon and a rebel of her generation. Although based on the story of her life, much of the film (particularly the ending) was apocryphal. However, this doesn't detract from the fact that this is an incredibly powerful movie, and very much worth watching.
First, the movie
Movie Trailer
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Movie Review - "Frances" 1982
Starring Jessica Lange & Kim Stanley
Although you may be forgiven for not having heard of this film, let alone watching it, Frances has gained critical acclaim around the world, with several award nominations. This included two Oscar nominations for Jessica Lange as Best actress and Kim Stanley for Best Supporting Actress. The film was based on the true & turbulent life story of the actress Frances Farmer. Although some of the events depicted in Frances were apocryphal, this is still an amazingly dramatic and powerful movie, leaving the viewer with much to think about regarding human nature.Born in Seattle, Washington, Frances always had a rebellious side. This showed early on in her life when she won an essay writing competition in high school. Her subject was the death of God. This was incredibly unpopular in small town America in the 1930's.
Frances was determined to follow her dream and become an actress. However, despite appearing in several movies, she very quickly became disillusioned with fame and the Hollywood scene, where her looks were more sought after than her acting talents. Very soon Frances was classed as uncooperative due to her outspoken nature, and resisted every attempt by the studio to force her to conform, and become the classic movie star. She then turned to stage acting with mixed reviews, in the hopes of becoming seen as a serious actress.
However, her temperamental nature (which probably wouldn't have raised an eyebrow by today's standards) got her into more and more trouble, leading to a number of arrests for abuse and disorderly conduct. This in turn led to her committal to various psychiatric institutions.
The saddest part of this movie is that although abusive at times, Frances was not insane. Her frustrations and the reasons behind it were all too clear. It is quite possible to put yourself in her position and understand her behaviour, even justify it. The psychiatric treatments she was given seemed only to force her to conform to what was then normal behaviour, instead of to cure her of some psychosis.
Jessica Lange in particular stood out in Frances, although this was brilliantly acted by everyone involved. Whether or not this tells the whole truth about Frances Farmer's life, as a piece of dramatic fiction alone this is one of the most poignant films I have ever watched. This is certainly worth seeing as it works on many levels, and is truly a classic film.
Frances is available to buy online
A great scene from the movie
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Sneak a peek at some YouTube videos
This is one of the few examples of Frances Farmer's work I've found which is freely available online. This poem, written and recorded by Frances, shows her passionate outlook on life. Sadly, there were many people in her day who sought to destroy this quality in her.
Great Stuff on eBay
Other films starring Jessica Lange
Did you Know...?
Frances Farmer has gained popularity with a new generation as the subject of a Nirvana song "Frances Farmer will have her revenge on Seattle". Have a listen!
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Recent blog posts about Frances Farmer
- Frances L. Farmer
- Frances worked for Jasper County Mutual Insurance Company for 20 years, she was a resident of Carthage for the past 40 years moving from Muskogee, Okla. Frances was united in marriage to Harlan Farmer on Feb. 6, 1962 in Muskogee, Okla., he survives.
- On the Front Lines of the Wage War: Stopping the Wal-Martization of Mind and ...
- It's the city that called the young Frances Farmer a ?heathen? when she won a high school award for her essay, ?God Dies.? Four years later, at U of Washington, Farmer won a trip to the Soviet Union by out-selling everyone hawking a leftist newspaper.
- Oklahoma death notices for Sunday, May 27, 2012 Oklahoma death notices for ...
- Mass noon Tuesday, St. Francis Catholic Church (Henninger-Hinson, Enid). Griffin, Larry E., 63, farmer, died Thursday. Services 10 am Wednesday, Texanna Assembly of God. Graveside 3 pm New Zion Cemetery, Chandler (Hunn Black & Merritt, Eufaula).
- Famous Seattleites
- Infamous actress Frances Farmer was born and raised in Seattle. She attended West Seattle High School and later, the University of Washington. Actress Hilary Swank was born in Iowa, but spent her childhood in Spokane and later, Bellingham.
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