Auntie Mame (1958)
Based on the novel of the same name by Patrick Dennis, this comedy film sees Rosalind Russell star as Mame Dennis – flamboyant and extrovert aunt of Patrick, in whose care he is placed after the sudden death of his widowed father. Mame is a contented, secure, independent person who wishes the same for her orphaned nephew.
As the film progresses, we see Mame living her life while deflecting the criticism of others, falling in love, marrying, being widowed, living her life, falling in love again, and above all, guiding her nephew. The depiction of her romantic relationships is not as a safe harbour to which all must aspire, but rather as a chapter within a full life, which she lives unapologetically. The celebration of singledom in this movie is on par with the celebration of romance – making Mame that rarest of characters who considers neither one to be preferable to the other, but enjoys both by living in the moment.
Published: Feb 13, 2015 03:08 pm