In her debut documentary, Mariska Hargitay delves into the life of her mother, Jayne Mansfield, uncovering profound truths and personal revelations.
‘My Mom Jayne’ Review: A Deep Dive into Mariska Hargitay’s Journey
Mariska Hargitay has long awaited the opportunity to share her story, yet she grappled with understanding what story she needed to tell. This uncertainty, coupled with her decades-long journey of self-discovery, has culminated in a profound and introspective documentary that belies its status as Hargitay’s debut feature film as a director.
Unraveling the Mystery of Jayne Mansfield
In “My Mom Jayne,” the iconic “Law & Order: SVU” star focuses on her mother, the legendary actress and sex symbol Jayne Mansfield, who tragically passed away in 1967 when Hargitay was just three years old. With only a single memory of her mother—one she questions might be a fabrication—Hargitay embarks on a quest for understanding.
Her father, the bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, provided unwavering support and became her foundation. Questions arise: How could Jayne leave him for the abusive Matt Cimber? Why did she move on to another abusive partner, her divorce lawyer Sam Brody? Why did Jayne refer to her daughter as “Maria” instead of Mariska? And why are there so few photographs depicting genuine affection between them?
A Journey of Discovery
Hargitay’s documentary resonates deeply as she poses these questions, inviting the audience to join her in piecing together her family’s narrative. Many individuals reach a point in their lives where they seek answers about their parents, believing that understanding them might lead to self-discovery. For years, Hargitay admits she tried to escape her mother’s shadow, feeling ashamed of Jayne’s status as a sex symbol while striving to be recognized as a serious actress.
We witness Hargitay amidst the remnants of her parents’ Beverly Hills estate, now owned by Engelbert Humperdinck, as she attempts to reclaim the piano she once played and opens the family storage unit for the first time since 1969. She even discovers Mansfield’s Golden Globe award and places it alongside her own for “SVU.”
Empathy and Understanding
As time passes, Hargitay develops a deeper empathy for her mother, even celebrating her birthday during the early days of the pandemic with a cake and candles. This evolving understanding parallels society’s growing empathy toward tragic Hollywood figures and the recognition that sex symbols can possess intellect and depth.
Despite her accomplishments, Mansfield was often reduced to her pinup status. Hargitay seeks to comprehend her mother’s complexities, acknowledging both her successes and her missteps.
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Unveiling Earth-Shattering Revelations
Among the choices Mansfield made, one revelation is particularly shocking, best left for the film to reveal. Hargitay skillfully recounts a nearly four-decade-old memory involving a photograph shared by the head of Mansfield’s fan club, prompting her to reconsider everything she believed about her life. While this revelation has been hinted at before, Hargitay confirms it for the first time, showcasing her prowess as an interviewer by confronting her mother’s former publicist on camera.
Hargitay also interviews her siblings, who possess cherished memories of Mansfield, eliciting deeply moving responses.
A Unique Documentary Experience
Some films are fully formed before production begins, while others evolve during the creative process. “My Mom Jayne” is a testament to this latter approach, resulting in a documentary that feels honest, open, and intimate.
Grade: B+
“My Mom Jayne” will air Friday, June 27, on HBO and stream on MAX.
