My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay's documentary about her mother, screen legend Jayne Mansfield, is probably the most poignant movie of this genre I've ever seen.

Though Jayne died when Mariska was only three years old, and she has no real memories of her, the familial connection adds to the almost mystery story of searching for the truth about the icon to produce many unbearably tearful moments for the viewer.

A great secret, untold for decades is revealed here, but Mariska structures the film so that that secret does not dominate. Instead, with the aid of her siblings she opens up a hidden treasure trove of powerful connections. Ken Burns couldn't have done a better job, and the personal nature of the subject matter adds immeasurably to the power of this work.

Thank you Mariska, for sharing your family's life and Jayne's lifeforce with us.

I've admired Mariska Hargitay and enjoyed her work as an actress for a long time. Now I'm even more impressed with the courage it took to share her complicated life story.

There is so much tragedy involved, but it makes me happy to know that as much tragedy as there was, there was even more love. And I'm glad that, to some degree, people were able to admit their mistakes and apologize for them.

It's rather head-spinning to think about the identity questions and issues involved and how it plays out over the years of secrecy and mystery. I hope this documentary receives the recognition it deserves.

Mariska Hargitay directed this complicated but clear and concise timeline of her mother's career, relationships, and family life. It was so beautifully executed. I won't give too much away because it needs to be experienced to understand the nuances. It left me in tears, for Mariska, for her family, and for the true and deep love they have for one another. Thank you Mariska for sharing this beautiful journey with us. It's one I will never forget. God bless Jayne who lived so much life in her short time on earth, and God bless Mickey for showing the kind of unconditional love that is not of this earth.

Just finished watching one of the most moving documentaries I have ever seen, the brand new My Mom, Jayne. It is written and directed by her daughter, Mariska Hargitay of Law and Order SVU fame-that's a show that I never watched. But I know of the legacy and fuzzy reputation of Jayne Mansfield and the fact that she wanted to be a serious actress but ended up like a second rate Marilyn Monroe. The film examines her entire life, including the tragic 1967 car crash that took Jayne's life-the crash her children survived in the back seat and that ended her career quest to be a serious actress. If you love the '60s or if you are a part of a blended family in any way (there is a paternity secret revealed), seek this out NOW on HBO/MAX.

I went into this documentary with low expectations, but by the end, I had chills. There's so much passion and thought put into this film. Although Jayne Mansfield's life was tragically short, this documentary proves her legacy is still very much alive. I learned things about Jayne that genuinely surprised me-in a good way. She had so many hidden talents, and it's incredible how much she accomplished by the age of 34. This is easily one of the best documentaries I've seen in a long time. Jayne would be so proud of her daughter for honoring her story and sharing her journey to becoming a Hollywood icon.