what it’s about
Actress Mariska Hargitay was only three when her mother, movie sex symbol Jayne Mansfield, was killed in a car accident. She and her older brothers were in the back seat, and escaped serious injury. Growing up, Hargitay felt conflicted about her mother’s blonde bimbo image, and finally resolved to delve into her complicated legacy via this penetrating documentary. It’s a family affair, with her brothers and half-sister all weighing in.
why we love it
Hargitay’s unflinching exploration of her mother’s life and career, and its impact on her siblings, begins an overdue process of healing and acceptance, while yielding some explosive, life-changing secrets. It’s a bold, highly personal journey, devoid of exploitation or self-indulgence. It’s clear that Hargitay, best remembered for her Emmy-nominated role in “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit”, now wants to understand the mother she never knew, and avoided knowing for so long. It’s a touching and cathartic experience, for her and for us. Cozy up to “My Mom Jayne”.