‘Faye’ Review: An Enticing Portrait of Faye Dunaway Looks at Where Acting Meets Life Meets ‘Difficulty’

As a huge film enthusiast and someone who has always been fascinated by the lives of iconic actresses, I can’t help but be utterly captivated by Faye Dunaway’s extraordinary journey from a moon-faced farm girl to an unforgettable star. Her story is one of ambition, determination, and transformation, marked by a fierce intensity that shines through in every role she played.

Exploring the correlation between an actor’s on-screen persona and their real life can be a risky endeavor. However, in the HBO documentary “Faye” about Faye Dunaway, this approach proves to be enlightening and indispensable. At 80 years old, Dunaway shares her insights in interviews throughout the film. Her candid reflections, filled with wisdom and sass, draw you in. For instance, she scolds someone for bringing her water in a bottle instead of a glass – an early indication that this documentary will have some fun with her diva tendencies. The film acknowledges that Dunaway’s intense and complex personality fueled her remarkable acting abilities. Yet, it also cautions against the sensationalized and simplistic portrayals of her off-screen life that have circulated in gossip circles.

As a seasoned movie critic with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from the most talented and easy-to-work-with actors to the most challenging and demanding ones. And let me tell you, Faye Dunaway was one of those challenging ones.

Yet the first thing to say in response to that is how suspect we should all be of the D-word, especially as applied to women. Yes, Dunaway was difficult; the documentary acknowledges her struggles with bipolar disorder and alcoholism. In her case, however, there’s something fundamentally unfair about the way that her offscreen reputation, viewed through the lens of her characters, became nearly mythological.

During her prime, Dunaway was a prominent figure in Hollywood, but her controversial portrayals, particularly as the fiery Joan Crawford in “Mommie Dearest,” which some labeled a failure despite its merits, and as the groundbreaking female executive in “Network” fixated on power and success, contributed to her complex public image. Consequently, many people merged these performances with Dunaway’s challenging reputation, concluding, “Ah, this is the true nature of Faye Dunaway.”

I’m truly in awe of Faye’s extraordinary acting in “Network.” Critics, including some feminists, took issue with her portrayal of a ruthless power-broker, labeling it unforgivable. Yet, Dunaway defends her performance as an authentic representation of feminism. She argues that if we want women to occupy new roles in films and society, we must move past the expectation that they always need to be likable or admirable – a notion that can be just as limiting as traditional gender stereotypes. Dunaway’s performance in “Network” mirrors the groundbreaking work of De Niro and Pacino in movies like “Mean Streets” and “Dog Day Afternoon.” By allowing audiences to connect with her character’s complex and flawed humanity, she paved the way for more nuanced portrayals. Dunaway may view “Mommie Dearest” as a misstep, but Mara Hobel, who played young Christina Crawford, believes it was released too early. The film’s campy elements were entertaining, but its inability to fit neatly into the categories of serious drama or conscious trash led to harsh criticism.

“Faye,” a documentary by Laurent Bouzereau, is an engaging exploration of Faye Dunaway’s journey as a star. This HBO production offers a straightforward yet insightful look into Dunaway’s upbringing in small-town Texas, her complicated family background, her groundbreaking film career, her deep connection to the stage, her romantic entanglements, and the origins of her reputation as a challenging actress. This intriguing portrayal reveals how her “difficult” persona was partly shaped by the contrast between an era that was less accepting of progressive ideas and Dunaway’s boldly innovative acting style.

Growing up, I was captivated by Faye Dunaway’s performance in “Bonnie and Clyde.” Her beauty on screen was extraordinary, not just because of her striking features – the prominent cheekbones, alluring eyes, and dazzling grin with its distinctive protruding upper front teeth. Instead, her attractiveness was dynamic, constantly evolving as she conveyed a range of emotions. I had never witnessed an actress who embodied both softness and sensuality while exuding raw anger like Dunaway did. Her rage was palpable and powerful, as seen in the documentary when Bonnie scolds Clyde, “The only thing unique about you is your quirky ideas about lovemaking, which isn’t real lovemaking at all!” Her anger was electric, poetic, and purgative. It harkened back to the fierce emotions of legends like Barbara Stanwyck and Bette Davis but presented them in a bold, contemporary way.

In 1974, “Chinatown” stood out as Faye Dunaway’s most impressive performance, although her role as Evelyn Mulwray in this masterpiece often goes overlooked. Despite being acclaimed for its acting and complex portrayal of political corruption, the brilliance of Dunaway’s luminous, silken, emotionally charged performance is sometimes overshadowed by the powerhouse presence of Jack Nicholson and the film’s intricate exploration of corrupt systems. However, Evelyn Mulwray serves as the emotional core of “Chinatown,” offering a profound insight into the devastating effects of abuse. The iconic scene where she exclaims, “She’s my daughter, she’s my sister,” is truly remarkable (those were genuine slaps). Dunaway leaves a lasting impact on viewers, making this noir adaptation resonate with the depth and intensity of Greek tragedy.

Born in 1941, Dunaway’s childhood and college years were marked by an stark contrast between her future stardom and her early appearance. In old photographs, she looks like a plump farm girl, a far cry from the glamorous actress she was destined to become, much like Dorothy Faye was distinct from Marilyn Monroe’s Norma Jean. Known as Dorothy Faye during her younger days, this name holds a special significance for her, evoking the innocent and perhaps even the untouched side of her personality that still lingers within. However, her acting aspirations inexorably drew her towards the complexities and turbulence of life. Her dedication to transforming anger into something profound is evident even in her college days, as seen in images of her performing in a production of “Medea.”

The film recounts the story of her journey to New York, where she trained under Elia Kazan at the Lincoln Center Repertory Company. Following her entry into the film industry with the help of producer Sam Spiegel who offered her a role in “Hurry Sundown,” she went on to secure the part of Bonnie in “Bonnie and Clyde.” Director Arthur Penn was instantly captivated by her, choosing her over Jane Fonda and Tuesday Weld among others. Dunaway’s powerful presence in “Bonnie and Clyde” is undeniable, contributing significantly to its success as a groundbreaking film. Additionally, she became an icon of style with her signature berets, flat blonde hair, and assertive gaze.

In my perspective as a movie critic, I’ve come across intriguing anecdotes about Faye Dunaway’s quirks on set. For instance, she was reportedly unable to speak properly without using Blistex lip balm, which became a necessary habit for her. While working with Roman Polanski on “Chinatown,” we both seemed to terrorize each other, making for some interesting tales.

In 1977, following her Oscar victory, O’Neill captured the iconic image of Dunaway relaxing by a pool at the Beverly Hills Hotel. This photograph is considered one of the most profound Hollywood portraits. The expression on Dunaway’s face, which seems to convey “Is this it?”, can only be attributed to an actress of remarkable ambition, now reaching new heights in her stardom.

2024-07-21 21:17

‘Faye’ Review: An Enticing Portrait of Faye Dunaway Looks at Where Acting Meets Life Meets ‘Difficulty’

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