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Contemporary Form Of Materialism In The Women And Mildred Pierce

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Two films released amidst the years of the post American Great Depression and World War II, The Women and Mildred Pierce, both similarly explore the issues surrounding the contemporary form of materialism that has made itself present in society. The economic boom the war provided America birthed a new form of ultra consumerism that swept the nation, changing everything in a matter of years. These films act as social commentaries in such a way they are able to highlight the impact materialism has made in all aspects of both the rich and middle class during this span in American history. George Cukor introduces this as one of his main themes throughout his film The Women. Using it to act as a key motivating factor for his character Mary Haines, a housewife and mother seemingly trapped in a marriage with a cheating husband due to the luxurious lifestyle it provides. All the other women in this film find themselves in similar situations yet none speak against what is happening in fear of losing their possessions and comfortability. Similarly, Michael Curtiz’s Mildred Pierce, uses the desire for things such as clothes, houses, and a generally expensive lifestyle as driving factors for both Mildred Pierce and her Daughter, Veda. Veda Pierce has been raised in a home where she has always received anything she's wanted. As she grows up we find her desires have amassed to an all time high. So much so when she learns her mother won't be able to give her the opulent life she yearns
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