Rating: 
Summary: intense
Review: I give Jessica Lange the Oscar for this performance even if Hollywood did not. And I could see how they wouldn't, as it graphically shows their nature. Some reviewers call this a weak script, but it is what must be read between the lines that counts. The pivotal scene in the movie is when the Paramount executive states that they would make Frances Farmer pay for using them (instead of them using her) when she was in New York and wanting to go to England. Her life becomes a living nightmare from that point forward. "Mom" is truly despicable as one of their enablers. One thing that I think wasn't done very well was the handling of her personal relationships with husbands/boyfriends. Too many liberties with history were taken here. However, overall this movie is superbly done and so realistic that it leaves a really strong impression on you. As an actress playing a tragic character, Jessica Lange really puts in an incredible performance. One of the most intense movies I have ever seen.
Rating: 
Summary: strong,powerful and alarmingly awakening
Review: I had never heard of Frances Farmer, however I was already somewhat familiar with the treatment of those classified as "disturbed" in that era. Once again, I witnessed so many ugly truths about the horrors that have gone on both in institutions and on a wider level, society. I am sure that this film , like many, due to time and money constraints,had to leave what many who are more knowledgable about Frances Farmer's life would consider essential information. Nevertheless,through Lange's powerful performance and great writing , it brings to light many issues that we as society should never forget. In my opinion, the injustices done to Farmer (Lange) in this film,although horrific , are only the tip of the iceberg. This film will open your eyes to so much more.
Rating:
Summary: Jessica Lange should've won the oscar for this too!
Review: I know jessica won for tootsie but she should've won for this too. this was such an excellant and heartbreaking story. based on the story of frances farmer a movie star whose overbearing mother puts her in a mental institution when she s not crazy just stressed. you just wanted to smack her mom. the music was beautiful also. i have seen this several times and each time it is a powerful moving experience. recommended highly
Rating:
Summary: Frances
Review: I liked this movie a lot. I thought it played a little slow at parts though. The music and bonus features on this DVD is worth it alone.
Just wanted to say that I have seen clips of the real episode of "This Is Your Life" with Frances, and she looked normal to me. The way Jessica Lange played her in that scene is exaggerated. But all in all, she did a great job in this movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Poor Character Portrayal
Review: I originally saw this as a teenager and even then, thought that Jessica Lange was brilliant. Just the other night I had the pleasure of seeing this film again, and once again felt that Jessica Lange was marvellous in her role as Frances Farmer. The film is also very well paced and engaging. If you think back to 1982, it was a huge year for Hollywood. So many powerful films came out and it was definitely a year for the actresses. Jessica Lange was up against Meryl Streep in "Sophie's Choice". The Academy gave the best actress to Meryl Streep, but you cannot argue that Jessical Lange was equally as good in "Frances". She won the best supporting actress that year instead for her role in Tootsie. Frances is a film quite unknown to many, and that surprises me, because it is a gem of a film. I realise that there has been many debates over the facts, but it does say at the beginning of the film "based on a true story". Jessica Lange is one of the greatest actresses of our time. Other Jessica films I recommend are: The Music Box, Cape Fear, Tootsie and Blue Sky.
Rating:
Summary: Jessica Lange simply brilliant as Frances
Review: I originally saw this as a teenager and even then, thought that Jessica Lange was brilliant. Just the other night I had the pleasure of seeing this film again, and once again felt that Jessica Lange was marvellous in her role as Frances Farmer. The film is also very well paced and engaging. If you think back to 1982, it was a huge year for Hollywood. So many powerful films came out and it was definitely a year for the actresses. Jessica Lange was up against Meryl Streep in "Sophie's Choice". The Academy gave the best actress to Meryl Streep, but you cannot argue that Jessical Lange was equally as good in "Frances". She won the best supporting actress that year instead for her role in Tootsie. Frances is a film quite unknown to many, and that surprises me, because it is a gem of a film. I realise that there has been many debates over the facts, but it does say at the beginning of the film "based on a true story". Jessica Lange is one of the greatest actresses of our time. Other Jessica films I recommend are: The Music Box, Cape Fear, Tootsie and Blue Sky.
Rating:
Summary: Frances
Review: I saw this movie when it came out in theaters and was horrified that she could go through what she did and still live.After all these years I still remember the Lobotomby and the use of Insulin that the quacks in the hospital used for some insain reason. It has stayed with me ever sence. It was Jessica Langes performance of Ms.Farmer's life that haunts me to this day and every time I go to the hospital the images are with me - Yes where is Jessica's Oscar for this preformance?
Rating: 
Summary: FRANCES FARMER, Betrayed Again
Review: Ironically, this film is yet another Hollywood slap in the face to stage and screen actress Frances Farmer. Jeers to screenwriters Eric Bergren, Christopher DeVore and Nicholas Kazan for diluting the harrowing tragedy of her story by giving her a fictional long-term support system in the guise of "Harry York". O that the real Frances had such a loving and loyal ally ... but the truth, according to her autobiography and the brilliant biography "Shadowland" by William Arnold, is that Farmer walked through the hell of her life mostly alone and uncomforted. The conceit of the screenplay is especially upsetting because so many other elements of the film are perfect. Jessica Lange gives a devastating, powerhouse performance as the misbegotten star, and she's matched every frame of the way by Kim Stanley (who two decades earlier played a Monroe-type character in "The Goddess") as Farmer's hellion of a mother, Lillian. These two actresses, who strongly resemble their real-life counterparts, were deservedly Oscar-nominated for their brilliant acting in this film. The costumes, make-up, and set decorations are also flawless ... those who have studied photographs of Farmer's career and personal life will recognize that great pains were taken to reproduce her hairstyles, makeup - even the fabrics of her clothing - authentically. All the requisites for a great film are here ... except for the script. The DVD transfer is fine. There aren't any extra bonus features, but the picture and sound are sharp and crisp. Recommended for fans of Lange and Stanley; Farmer devotees would be better served by reading the two aforementioned books.
Rating:
Summary: JESSICA LANGE SHOULD HAVE WIN AN OSCAR
Review: IT IS HER BEST PERFORMANCE EVER & I AM WONDERING "WHERE IN THE HELL IS HER OSCAR ? " ; I DON'T KNOW HOW WON IT THIS YEAR BUT WHOEVER IT WAS DID NOT DESERVE IT BETTER THAN HER ! A WONDERFUL MOVIE
Rating:
Summary: It was a great movie if you can stand to watch it...
Review: It was a great movie if you can stand to watch it! It's hard to watch torture, physical and mental abuse and that's what Frances was subjected to. Thus making it hard to watch! I also read the book and they were very true to each other. Lange is absolutly the only actress who could have played it so well. It is a well done movie with great performers and great writing! It was well worth the horror!
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