HBO just released a first look at "Mildred Pierce," the five-hour miniseries remake of the 1945 film which won Joan Crawford an Oscar in the title role.
(Both the classic film and the miniseries are based on the 1941 novel by James M. Cain.)
"Far From Heaven" director Todd Haynes is reimagining the Depression-era drama with Kate Winslet in the title role and Evan Rachel Wood as her spoiled elder daughter Veda.
The miniseries will air on HBO in Spring 2011.
In addition to Winslet and Wood, the 1 minute 33 second preview (see left) also features actors Guy Pearce and Melissa Leo.
Joan Crawford was 40 when "Mildred Pierce" was made in 1945. Ann Blyth, who played Veda, was 17.
Kate Winslet, at 34, is only 11 years older than Evan Rachel Wood, 23. They look more like sisters than mother and daughter.
Winslet seems a little young for the part, but she proved in her Oscar-winning role in "The Reader" that she can certainly play much older than her years — with the help of makeup.
Wood is coming off a not-very-well received turn as vampire Queen Sophie-Anne (also a spoiled teenager) on HBO's "True Blood," so it remains to be seen if HBO fans will embrace the otherwise acclaimed young actress in this role.
The relationship between mother and daughter is central to the story so getting the right chemistry between the actresses will be key.
For more information on HBO's "Mildred Pierce" visit the official site at Hbo.com/mildred-pierce.
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