My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay

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.

Excellently made documentary about Jayne Mansfield and her family. It is heartwarming, dramatic, and empowering. Definitely a must see. The documentary details Hollywood life in the 50s and 60s for female actors. It shows the struggles Jayne went through to be famous but also be there for her family. Mariska Hargitay's entire family is interviewed and shares their viewpoint on what it was like growing up with an iconic actress as their mother. The documentary is easy to follow, lots of video clips and pictures to really help visualize what the narrator was describing. I highly recommend this documentary to everyone.

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.

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.

I never leave reviews, but this doc was amazing. This documentary flowed so well from beginning to end. The interviews with her family really added depth and dimension to who Jayne was behind the scenes and it was fun to see Mariska's dynamics with them. The story and history in general, was interesting and so personal.

I lost my parent as a kid as well, and this got me in my feels. There's so much you really do forget overtime, or in Mariska's case don't remember at all. I'm happy she decided to make this doc and share her journey on this, and damn did she kill it. This is honestly her best work yet.