Frances is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Frances Farmer, a talented actress who rose to stardom in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. The movie explores her success as a film actress, her rebellion against the Hollywood system, her tumultuous personal life, and her tragic descent into mental illness.
At the beginning of the film, Frances is a fearless and ambitious young woman who dreams of becoming a great actress. She leaves her hometown in Seattle and moves to Hollywood to pursue her career. With her striking looks and undeniable talent, Frances quickly becomes a rising star in the movie industry.
However, Frances soon becomes disillusioned with the shallow and corrupt Hollywood system and resists conforming to the rules expected of her. She becomes involved in left-wing politics and is targeted by the FBI for her connections to communist groups. As a result, her career is destroyed, and she is blacklisted from the industry.
The film portrays Frances' decline into mental illness, her institutionalization, and her battle to regain her sanity and freedom. She experiences a series of abusive treatments in psychiatric hospitals and is subjected to electroshock therapy. The film also examines the strained relationship between Frances and her mother, who is portrayed as a controlling figure in her life.
Jessica Lange delivers a powerful and captivating performance as Frances Farmer, earning critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film was directed by Graeme Clifford and written by Eric Bergren, Christopher De Vore, and Nicholas Kazan. It is a poignant and tragic story that sheds light on the dark side of the Hollywood system and the toll it can take on artists who resist its constraints.