Mildred Pierce (2011)

The HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce (2011) may be a remake of a Joan Crawford star vehicle, but it differs from the original 1945 classic in two ways. First, it’s three hours longer. Second, and more importantly, it’s got infinitely more skin. Director Todd Haynes has adapted the same-named novel of 1941 into a detailed period piece with an all-star cast that includes Oscar winner Melissa Leo, Hope Davis, and Mare Winningham. Set during the Depression era, the titular character (Kate Winslet) is a driven and independent woman who works her way up the ladder from a lowly “hash joint” waitress to the owner of a successful restaurant chain. She’s also a single mother to spoiled, money-hungry Veda (Evan Rachel Wood) who acts out to hurt her long-suffering mom. After sleeping with Mildred’s lover Monty (Guy Pearce), Veda struts her stuff in the buff to further torment her mother. Of course, we can’t complain about this bad behavior since it means we get to see Evan’s bare breasts, butt and bush. Even if the latter is a merkin, Ms. Wood still gives Mr. Skin wood! That’s not to suggest, Ms. Winslet doesn’t offer up her fair share of flesh. In fact, she flashes her rack and snatch while getting it on with her man. No wonder why Kate was named Best Actress by both the Online Film & Television Association and Screen Actors Guild. If that’s not impressive enough, Winslet won a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy, a Satellite Award, and our heart-ons!