Sunday, March 5th marked the series premier of Ryan Murphy’s new limited series Feud: The Bette Davis and Joan Crawford Story on FX.
Murphy creator of other successful shows like American Crime Story, Scream Queens, Glee and American Horror Story has brought back beloved actress Jessica Lange to play the role of Joan Crawford. Lange has previously worked with Murphy for four installments of American Horror Story. Susan Sarandon is cast as Crawford’s rival Bette Davis. Other minor characters include Stanley Tucci, Judy Davis, Robert Aldrich, Alison Wright and Jackie Hoffman.
The plot of the series focuses on the thickening rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, two famous Hollywood actress during the 1930s to the 1970s. In episode one, both of the leading ladies show the early production of the famous 1962 movie What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Two former Hollywood actress sisters is the focus of this movie. Joan Crawford’s character Blanche Hudson (portrayed by Lange in Feud) was in an accident that bound them to a wheelchair. Bette Davis character Jane Hudson (portrayed by Sarandon in Feud) Overlooks her sister. Jane however deals with some psychological issues and keeps Blanche captive in their Hollywood home.
The original 1962 film adaptation of the book received a current score of 92% on rottentomatoes.com .
According to history, Bette and Joan’s rivalry started way before the making of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Some speculated influences were competing for similar roles and their marital issues.
Feud takes place in 1960’s Hollywood. The set and costume designers as well as the screenwriter(s) do a more than phenomenal job creating that feel and visual setting of 1960s Hollywood. Furthermore, the first episode is very colorful in the means to giving of a vintage, lavish and carefree vibe. Ironically the dialogue and plot is very tense itself.
Murphy the creator of the show revealed that part of his inspiration for making the show was to input underlying themes of feminism, independency and to draw activism to issues on women with the gender pay gap as shown in the show itself.
Consequently, Feud may not be suitable for younger viewers for the reasons of strong language.
Overall, Feud is set up to be a successful show. Complete with incredible set and costume design, well written story line accompanied by a legendary talented cast. Because of these elements, the show is expected to be nominated for multiple Academy awards later this year. I believe this show has all the ingredients to be successful and claim those awards.
Feud airs a new episode every Sunday night at ten o’clock, only FX.
