Customer Reviews

Burning Bed [VHS]

5 star:		(49)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The prelude to this 1984 NBC-TV movie was a massive media blitz about Farrah Fawcett's chances of proving her acting worthiness. It was, and still is to some extent, unfortunate because it detracted from the purpose of the film: to bring the then-generally hushed family secret of domestic violence into the light and elevate it as a matter of public policy. Fawcett, of course, proved beyond anyone's doubt her acting prowess, and watching her as a deglamorized, demoralized and traumatized physically battered wife was a shock of extremities at the time. Before "Burning Bed," who saw Fawcett as anything other than a giggly sex kitten? The film opens with a clearly beaten Fawcett nearly roboticized in the mechanics of carrying a container of gas into the bedroom where her drunken husband has passed out after what we learn later is his latest (and last) in countless wife-beating episodes that lasted for nearly a decade. It is no consolation watching Fawcett's character of Francine douse her husband and then ignite him and his bed with a match. What follows is the obligatory murder trial where, in mostly flashbacks by way of interviews with her court-appointed attorney (unflappably played by Richard Masur) and trial testimony, Francine and corraborating witnesses recount the years of spousal violence. Through it all, at a time when domestic violence shamefully was pretty much still in the closet as one of those family embarrassments that no one discussed, director Robert Greenwald hits us with a painful and disarming portrait of the results of family violence. But Fawcett is shattering! She manages to project her character not only as someone to be pitied and as someone truly desperate but who, somewhere in all the demoralizing inflicted over 10 years, finds some courage within to end her vicitimization, even at the risk of a death sentence. And Fawcett's acting when her character takes the stand in her own defense is nothing less than riveting! Fawcett's truly beaten-down character makes it very easy to hope the worst for her victimizer (Paul Le Mat as the bullying wife-beater) and his nauseating supportive mother (character actress Grace Zabriskie in a magnificent portrayal). In the wake of "Burning Bed," Fawcett herself appeared in public service announcements empowering battered women not to endure anymore, and the subject of domestic violence gained a status in the national diaglogue that it hadn't before. The film's message is still relevent and important today, unfortunately. But now, unlike the days when the real Francine faced her legal judgement, victims have more choices than the only one open to Francine. If for no other reason, though, Fawcett's performance is a must-see, and she'll numb you. It remains perhaps her greatest acting achievement!

This was one of the first TV movies to deal with the serious subject of domestic abuse, which is still an ongoing problem.

Farrah Fawcett proves that she is much more than a pretty face with sparkling white teeth as Francine Hughes, a young woman who falls for a slightly older high school dropout, Mickey (Paul Le Mat), but after she marries him, discovers that he has some major anger issues, and, finding herself trapped in a nightmare of horrible mistreatment, seeks help, but her family and in-laws (whose bizarre denial almost calls for straight-jackets), basically tell her to stay put. On top of this, social services seems all too willing to look the other way.

Francine tries to make the best of her situation, she finds herself drawn back to him, and even after she manages to obtain a divorce, Mickey is still able to insinuate himself into her life, insisting that they need to be a family. No matter how many times she leaves him, or attempts to escape, he is always right on her heels, and uses their children as leverage in order to coerce her into reconciling with him. Even when law enforcement intervenes, it does not deter him. Mickey blames his behavior on his drinking, inability to hold down a job, and on Francine, and, like many abusive spouses, does everything and anything he can to rob her of her independence and sense of self-worth. He feels threatened when she even looks at other men, wears revealing clothing, and attempts to further her education. When he is severely injured in an auto accident, he is not above manipulating the situation to his advantage. Finally, Francine snaps. She douses the bedroom with gasoline as he lies in a drunken sleep, and lights a match, fleeing in her automobile with her offspring.

It then must be determined if she committed premeditated murder, or if she was temporarily unhinged.

The jury's verdict is in favor of the defense, and as people file out of the courtroom, Francine cuddles her children around her . . . . . .

People who have not experienced domestic violence themselves or studied this crime may not be sympathetic or understanding toward what these victims experience. There is indeed a string of victims, not just the abused partner in question but also the children. Ignorant individuals sometimes blame or second-guess the victims, typical questions, "Why didn't she leave earlier?", "Why didn't she call the cops?", or, "Why does she keep going back to him?" This film should be aired frequently, and has recently been released on DVD. Kudos to the cast for their realistic and heartbreaking portrayals in this true life story. This is an ongoing and serious issue that still needs to be addressed. Recommended.

If Farrah didn't receive an award for this movie, she was seriously robbed! She must have researched the subject of wife abuse thoroughly right down to the humiliation seen on her face and the sheer terror that whatever she said could possible cause yet another smack. Superb acting!

This movie has not been forgotten due to the strong performance of Farrah Fawcett, and Paul LeMont. I sometimes think why doesn't Hollywood make strong film like these anymore? Then I remember this film and why bother, this film shows the true side of an ugly marrage that shows a real hell for women who stay in abusive relationships. Farrah Fawcett showed her true potential as an actress in this film and many more she did after this. No wait, she did make that film "Murder In Texas" she did a good job there too. But still it must of been hard for her to fight for this role. Since I think that Hollywood and the world only knew her as an "ANGEL". Not anymore. It is shame she did not get the Emmy for this role. There are few films that are remembered after one year or five or ten. But this film will be remembered. It's now 2001 and still I talk to friends about this movie and...yes, they still remember. That is how powerful this movie is. Its' shows the extremes lengths a woman who is abused will take to be freed from fear, hate and just utter destruction of the soul. Any woman who see's this movie should not just watch it and forget it but learn that no man or person has the right to beat, hurt and humiliate you to get them to love them or just stay with them because they want you to. If he hits you once he will hit you again.

This movie made me realize how far women's rights have come, and the fact that stories like this still happen makes me realize how far we still have to go.
To those reviewers who say the ending is unrealistic, I would like to point out that this is a true story. You can't get more realistic than that.

I have to agree with some of the other reviews, the movie doesn't cover half of the abuse she actually went through. I still think this is an excellent movie and I am glad that I watched it. I saw this movie a few years ago and read the book about a year ago. The book blew me away, there were several horrific parts that should have been added to the movie to really tell the true story, its shocking. The message still gets out there with the movie and gives you a small peak into what she went through. I reccomend watching this dvd and reading the book.

This is one of the most gripping story's of violent abuse that I have seen . The character's come across so real that you really feel like you know them personally. Brilliant performance from Farrah Fawcett......a far cry from her day's as an angel.

The Burning Bed is the true story of a woman who endures years of abuse mental and physical from her husband before finally snapping and killing him. The subject matter is still as relevant today as it was when it was released to much acclaim in 1984. In fact it should be essential viewing and therapy for any abusive person to see how they destroy lives.
The movie would not have worked without the powerful central performance of Farrah Fawcett who deservedly was nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe. She is abley supported by Paul Le Mat as the abusive husband and Garce Zabriskie as the apathetic mother in law. Although Fawcett had already turned in good performances in the 1981 movie Murder in Texas and on stage in Extremeties,it was this landmark tv movie that finally brought her recognition as a serious actress. Its a harrowing subject unsensationally handled and brilliantly written and acted.
Plaudits to MGM for releasing it on DVD however given the importance of the film and its subject its unfortunate that there are no 'extras'
Worthwhile.

i haven't seen this movie since it first aired on television back in 1984. but it left a lasting impression on my mind. i know many wouldn't agree with what francine did, but you would truly have to put yourself in her shoes, not for a day but for the entire duration of her abuse and then say she had a choice, it was kill or be killed. if you don't believe that then think of the Simpson case. How many times did nicole brown call the police on him and nobody did anything.how many women are killed by their abusers? statistics are staggering. a woman is victimized every 6 seconds, those are reported cases only. i am not saying it is right but when backed into a corner you will fight back the only way you can.

In health class, I watched the Burning Bed to learn about spouse abuse. I learned so much with this touching story and I've never been a big fan of Farrah Fawcett until now. Her acting was incredibly moving and I give her a lot of respect to take on this tough role. Go see this movie and it really makes you think about this abuse and the many other women who still experience it.