Museum of the Moving Image Receives Costume Donation From Mildred Pierce

Museum of the Moving Image has received a donation from HBO of two costumes designed by Academy Award-winning costume designer Ann Roth for the HBO Miniseries Mildred Pierce, which was directed by Todd Haynes and based on the 1941 classic novel by James M. Cain. The donation of these costumes, which were worn by Kate Winslet (as Mildred Pierce) and Evan Rachel Wood (as Veda Pierce), was accompanied by a donation by Ann Roth of four related design drawings. This material is now part of the Museum's unique collection of artifacts relating to every phase of producing, promoting, and exhibiting moving images.

The costumes and drawings are currently on view in the Museum's core exhibition Behind the Screen, which explores how movies and television shows are made, marketed, and shown.

"We want to thank HBO for their generous gift of costumes from their production of Mildred Pierce," said Barbara Miller, the Museum's Collection Curator. "The costumes are a significant addition to the Museum's collection and are exquisite examples of the work of costume designer Ann Roth. Ann's generous donation of her design drawings for these costumes further enriches the exhibition, and offers our visitors the opportunity to appreciate costume design as a creative process."

The Museum will present the entire five-and-a-half hour Mildred Pierce in a rare theatrical presentation, on Sunday, May 8 (Mother's Day), at 2:00 p.m. The screening is free with Museum admission, and is presented courtesy of HBO.

Screening: Mildred Pierce
Sunday, May 8, 2:00 p.m.
Dir. Todd Haynes. 2011. 330 mins. With one intermission. Digital projection. Presented courtesy of Home Box Office. HBO Miniseries' Mildred Pierce, starring Kate Winslet in the title role, brings to life the memorable character introduced in James M. Cain's classic 1941 novel. The five-part drama offers an intimate portrait of a uniquely independent woman who finds herself newly divorced during the Depression years, as she struggles to carve out a new life for herself and her family. The story explores Mildred's unreasonable devotion to her insatiable daughter, Veda, as well as the complex relationships she shares with the indolent men in her life. Mildred Pierce also stars Guy Pearce, James LeGros, Melissa Leo, Brían F. O'Byrne and Evan Rachel Wood. Mare Winningham, Morgan Turner and Hope Davis co-star. A film by Todd Haynes, Mildred Pierce is a Killer Films/John Wells Productions production. Todd Haynes directs from a teleplay by Haynes and Jon Raymond. The film is executive produced by Christine Vachon, Pamela Koffler, John Wells and Todd Haynes. Ilene S. Landress co-executive produced.
Free with Museum admission. Museum members may reserve tickets; RSVP to 718 777 6800.

Museum of the Moving Image is the only institution in the United States that deals comprehensively with the art, technology, and social impact of film, television, and digital media. It houses the nation's largest collection of moving image artifacts-numbering more than 130,000 items. Engaging an international audience of all ages, the Museum offers a distinctive, highly interactive core exhibition, Behind the Screen; contemporary and retrospective programs of films from around the world; public discussions with leading figures in film and television; inspiring education programs; and groundbreaking online projects. More information at http://movingimage.us.