Welcome to the Weekend Binge. Every Friday, we’ll suggest a binge-able title designed to keep you from getting too stir crazy. Check back throughout the weekend for even more gloriously queer entertainment.
The Bitchy: Feud
Leave it to Ryan Murphy, lover of all things queer, soapy and classic Hollywood, to come up with a show about two gay icons locked in bitter battle. Feud fictionalizes the very real rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, co-stars of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. The show focuses on the production and aftermath of the seminal thriller, and how appearing in the cooky horror film affected both their careers. Oscar winners Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange, as Davis & Crawford, respectively, remind viewers of why they became megastars in their own right, while Judy Davis steals her scenes as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. Alfred Molina also gives a wonderful turn as Baby Jane director Robert Aldrich, a man just trying to make his movie whilst caught in a clash of the titans.
At its best, Feud explores the machinations of classic Hollywood and empathizes with classic stars–women, in particular–tossed off by the studio establishment. It also meditates on the pressure actors feel to be celebrities, and to air their private lives in public. The show softens its two leading players considerably–Crawford’s well-documented abuse of her children is barely addressed, while Davis’ grudging cruelty to her costars is toned down considerably from the historical record. For those familiar with the real-life Crawford and Davis, as well as their rivalry, the show’s final, semi-sweet resolution will likely feel hollow and tacked on. Still, a lush production and all-star cast which also includes Stanley Tucci, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kathy Bates, Kiernan Shipka and Sarah Paulson make Fued a load of fun to watch. We recommend it as a Hollywood fantasy, with more than a few gay winks to boot.
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Dac
I loved every beautifully shot scene of this way too short series!
Oranos
This was a very well-done storyline, although I thought they were just battling each other! Lange was particularly convincing as Crawford, I thought.
Cam
Sorry, Susan Sarrandon spent all of 2016 helping Trump by attacking Clinton. Even though I like a lot of Ryan Murphy’s stuff, I can’t support a stealth Trumpist.
HankHarris
I really can’t watch her anymore either…
Kangol2
Susan Sarandon has become gag-worthy but this was still a great Ryan Murphy vehicle. Jessica Lange really turns her role out. Too bad she doesn’t get more opportunities to do so; she has always been an excellent actress who brings the drama!
NateOcean
Yeah, pretty much finished with Susan Sarandon.
F her.
Patrick
I agree with all of the comments on Sarandon – we will never again watch anything she is in. Too bad, there were several things she starred in that my husband & I really liked.
Sister Bertha Bedderthanyu
Its too bad this wasnt a theatrical release. Both women deserved Oscar nominations for their performances. I felt as though I were actually watching the real Betty and Joan.