MY MOM JAYNE is an extremely personal documentary about the legendary Jayne Mansfield, who died too early at age 34 due to a car accident. Mariska Hargitay produced, directed, and appeared in this heartfelt journey of discovering and accepting who her mom was when the cameras stopped rolling and the press weren’t shooting sexy photos. Marissa was only three when her mom died. She has no real memories of those first formative years.
This film was brave to create. Mariska did not hold anything back as she explored her family’s past. Her life and that of all who knew Jayne kept huge secrets from each other for 35 years. Uncovering all the multi-faceted layers was compelling and sad. Years were lost not being able to verbalize truths. Jayne was a conundrum, constantly living in two separate worlds and never really achieving her desires and dreams. Jayne was not the “dumb blonde” sex pot she portrayed. It was a fascinating story.
Mariska used tons of clips, interviews, previously unseen photos, and private conversations to assemble as many pieces as she could. The documentary was tender and smartly produced. There was never a moment when audiences were not invited to witness every hard truth and fact. Mariska was courageous in continually moving viewers forward with her. She was intuitive and tenacious. It was time. “Keeping secrets doesn’t honor anyone.” The pay-off at the conclusion was freeing.
MY MOM JAYNE is a beautiful tribute to a lost soul who touched many lives in the ’50s and ’60s. When moviegoers think about a Hollywood starlet, they don’t often consider their private life. They don’t see their struggles or problems. Too often, only the perfect persona comes across the screen. Mariska gave her mom the true light she deserved, and in so doing, helped heal herself and become whole. Well-done Mariska.
MY MOM JAYNE is streaming on MAX.
