RETRO REVIEW: “Bloody Mama” (1970)

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for delving into the annals of film history, I must say that Roger Corman’s “Bloody Mama” is a fascinating yet frustrating piece of work. Having seen my fair share of films that attempted to capitalize on the success of their contemporaries, this one stands out as a prime example.


Roger Corman’s gritty crime thriller “Bloody Mama” was nearly his last movie for American International Pictures, and while it had some success, it wasn’t one of his finest works. The film attempted to capitalize on the recent acclaim of Arthur Penn’s “Bonnie and Clyde,” which is evident in its execution, leading Charles Champlin from the Los Angeles Times to nickname it as a playful take on “Mommie and Clyde.”

Although critics harshly criticized “Bloody Mama,” it still drew a sufficient audience to persuade Roger Corman to finance “Boxcar Bertha” and appoint a young Martin Scorsese as its director. However, this success does not make “Bloody Mama” a quality film. Despite boasting a wealth of promising actors on screen, the movie grapples with its own internal inconsistencies. While it’s clear that Corman found inspiration for further projects, his uncertainty is evident in the film’s mixed tone. The sudden shifts from humorous to grim scenes and the ill-advised combination of serious themes like rape, murder, and incest with comedic elements make the movie frustratingly confusing.

In my perspective, the movie “Bloody Mama” is somewhat inspired by the exploits of Kate “Ma” Barker. Throughout history, her image as a ruthless criminal matriarch has been a subject of debate (with J. Edgar Hoover labeling her as both “vicious” and “dangerous,” while those who knew her claimed she had no hand in her sons’ numerous criminal activities). Nonetheless, Corman chooses to adhere to the popular portrayal, even exaggerating it by depicting Ma Barker as an unrelentingly monstrous figure. This character is brilliantly brought to life by the fiery Shelly Winters, who delves deep into her role.

RETRO REVIEW: “Bloody Mama” (1970)

“In rural Arkansas during the Depression era, the movie ‘Bloody Mama’ unfolds. Ma Barker, played by Alex Nicol’s former wife, departs with her rowdy gang of adult sons. This motley crew includes the volatile Herman (Don Stroud), the composed Arthur (Clint Kimbrough), the self-punishing Fred (Robert Walden), and the drug-dependent Lloyd (Robert De Niro). Together, they embark on a crime wave across 1930’s Arkansas, amassing a few associates and leaving a trail of victims in their wake.”

In my opinion, when it comes to character development, this film leans more towards the visceral violence that has become synonymous with Corman’s iconic filmography. The standout exception is Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Lloyd, a tormented outcast from the backwoods clan whose internal struggles ring true to life. He’s deeply entwined with his family, yet his sociopathic tendencies lead him down some chilling paths. However, his sense of isolation and loneliness only serves to intensify his self-destructive spiral.

Regarding Ma Barker, she is largely presented as a mix of stereotypical characters. The movie provides brief glimpses into her traumatic and abusive childhood, which to some extent justifies her disturbing behavior. However, the majority of the film showcases Winters as a whirlwind of rage and bitterness. Ma Barker embodies the sensationalized depiction that has become popular in numerous films, songs, and tales. Her performance is captivating yet infuriating, much like “Bloody Mama” overall.

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2024-07-31 22:56