In HBO's biographical documentary titled 'Faye', filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau captures the reality behind the screen legend Faye Dunaway. Despite narrating a deeply respectful profile of the star's life, the film does not shy away from addressing Dunaway's well-known reputation for being volatile and demanding, revealing honest accounts about the actress' struggles with mental illness and alcoholism, and how these factors influenced her acting prowess.
The documentary delves into Dunaway's early life, detailing her experience as a child in a military family. The film suggests this background may have shaped her inability to form long-lasting attachments. Dunaway's memorable roles, including her powerful performance in 'Network', are revisited, challenging typical portrayals of women during her peak years in Hollywood.
In spite of her successful career, the biopic doesn't sidestep the stinging high-profile failures, most notably 'Mommie Dearest.' Dunaway regards the biopic as a career misstep, laying blame on the director. However, the documentary intriguingly inspects the aftermath of this infamous career downturn, highlighting the harsh reality that women in Hollywood are often not offered a second chance following a colossal failure.
The film premiered in Cannes and is set to debut on HBO and stream on HBO Max later this year. It presents a fascinating journey through Dunaway's life, displaying the highs and lows, and focusing on her sheer strength and resilience throughout her decorated career, thus offering viewers a fresh perspective on a celebrated film icon.
