Faye

A recent MAX documentary on the ever glamorous, ever cantankerous leading lady Faye Dunaway. Tracing her humble beginnings as a theater actress from the South, she soon found her way to film, being part of director Elia Kazan's acting troupe also helped, where not only did she have the acting chops but the drop-dead beauty as well which served her well during the late 60's w/output like The Thomas Crown Affair & Bonnie & Clyde. The 70's were arguably hers as she continued to nab high profile roles which would culminate in her Oscar win for Network in 1976. On the personal front she could not have a child of her own so her son, Liam, he being adopted, was welcomed w/open arms (his constant presence by her side at public functions illustrates their closeness) & her admitting her bi-polar status also humanized the actress who tended to be demonized as difficult. W/the usual talking heads of past co-stars (Mickey Rourke who worked on Barfly w/her) & ardent admirers like Sharon Stone make director Laurent Bouzereau's effort (Laurent has been a fixture in Hollywood's behind the scenes for years since I remember listening to his commentary on Criterion's edition of Carrie on laserdisc (!)) an easy one to document as long as Faye gets her water in a glass.

Faye Dunaway was one of my favorite actresses she always played each role in such a classy and elegant and very sexy way. This "HBO" doc called just plain "Faye" is a treat and delight for any of her fans, as Dunaway is interviewed and she reflects on her life and Florida upbringing till her journey thru stage into the studios, as she becomes a fine actress. The footage is vintage and it brings back memories for all film buffs and fans of Faye, as during the 70's she was the queen of the big screen. Certainly her highs were "Bonnie and Clyde", "Chinatown", and "Network" and Dunaway talks very frank about the good times of stardom. Yet the bad times were mentioned like her over the top choices when she did "Mommie Dearest", it proves that an acting life is not easy. On the revealing side of life is hearing from Faye's son Liam it was touching and memorable as they go thru old family photos. Along the way though Dunaway's life was no bed of roses as she dealt with mental health issues. Still thru it all this doc proves that pain and the ups and downs was what made Faye so super good and great, a must watch for any old film fan.

"Faye" is a 2024 documentary film that delves into the life and career of legendary actress Faye Dunaway.

"Faye" is a compelling and insightful documentary that offers a unique perspective on the life of a Hollywood icon. It's a must-watch for fans of Dunaway and anyone interested in the history of cinema.

If you're a fan of:

Film documentaries Hollywood history Faye Dunaway's films Stories about overcoming adversity You're likely to enjoy "Faye."

"Faye" has garnered generally positive reviews, with critics praising Dunaway's honesty and the film's insightful exploration of her life and career.

As someone who was born a few years shy of the 80's, my first encounter with Faye was, of course when she played Joan Crawford. My older sister and I would and still all these years later recite lines from that movie. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this documentary given what I had heard of Faye. I am truly enamored with her. What a wonderfully strong and courageous woman, friend and mother. She is legendary & I'm so thrilled that she is telling her story & speaking of her life then & now. Talent doesn't even begin to scratch the surface! Faye deserves all the respect and recognition! Brava!

Documentary for HBO Films on American actress Faye Dunaway from director Laurent Bouzereau doesn't really ask "Who is Faye Dunaway?" as much as it does inform us "This is Faye Dunaway". Born in Florida in 1941 but transferred every two years with her parents and younger brother due to her father serving in the US Army, Dorothy Faye learned early it didn't pay to hang onto relationships for very long. Eventually settling back in Florida with her divorced mother, Dunaway had already caught the acting bug during a previous living stint in Utah before graduating high school, where she finally won a local beauty contest after several tries ("de rigueur" for any young lady hoping to make it in the arts). Dunaway's early acting life on the New York stage and at Lincoln Center may be surprising to fans not familiar with her salad days--but once she's brought to Hollywood, "Faye" falls into a typical biography pattern (selecting highlights of her movie career and skittering around her two failed marriages). As to Dunaway's reputation as a tyrant, she blames most of her bad choices and behavior on bipolar/manic depression (now being treated with medication) and alcoholism (which she inherited from her father). She says cruelty isn't a part of who she naturally is, though her temperament may be viewed that way by those in her line of fire during a film shoot. Of the co-workers, family and friends who give recent interviews, Sharon Stone's overdramatic gushing is the most embarrassing; however, Faye's now-grown adopted son Liam from her years with photographer Terry O'Neill is able to help show off his mother's heretofore unseen tender side. For fans, this is an enjoyable watch with film clips and vintage interviews (Bette Davis's complaints about working with Dunaway are shared but not acknowledged). "Faye" isn't a puff-piece, though it isn't overly insightful, choosing to let Dunaway remain an imposing enigma. *** from ****