Reclaiming a Legend: Mariska Hargitay Unveils the True Story of Her Mother, Jayne Mansfield
For decades, the name Jayne Mansfield conjured a singular image: the platinum blonde bombshell, a Hollywood icon defined by her glamorous curves and a carefully crafted public persona. But for her daughter, "Law & Order: SVU" star Mariska Hargitay, that image was a source of complex emotions, a veil obscuring the mother she never truly knew. In her powerful directorial debut, "My Mom, Jayne," which premiered to an emotional audience at the Cannes Film Festival, Hargitay embarks on a journey to reclaim her mother's narrative and introduce the world to the brilliant, talented, and deeply feeling woman behind the facade.
A Full-Circle Moment at Cannes
Debuting the film at Cannes was a poignant, "full circle" moment for Hargitay. The festival held a special significance, as photos of her mother at the same event always stood out. "The photos of her in can in particular were always so meaningful to me because of how free and happy and in love she was with my father," Hargitay shared. To bring her mother's true story back to that very place was a beautiful and profound act of love. The premiere marked the first time she had watched the film with a public audience, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allowed her to share her family's emotional journey with the world.
Beyond the Bombshell: Discovering the Real Jayne Mansfield
The documentary delves into Hargitay's personal struggle with her mother's legacy. She candidly admits to carrying a "sense of shame" during her youth, embarrassed by the larger-than-life character her mother played. "I didn't really appreciate the sort of bombshell image," she explained. "I just want[ed] like a normal mom."
"My Mom, Jayne" dismantles this one-dimensional caricature. Hargitay presents a portrait of a woman of incredible substance and intellect. Far from being just a pretty face, Jayne Mansfield was a gifted artist who spoke multiple languages and was a classically trained violinist and pianist. "I was so interested in is finding out that who was this soul behind this image," Hargitay noted. The film reveals an artist who longed to create art that Hollywood rarely allowed her to make, providing a new lens through which to view her life and career.
An 'Emotional Archaeological Dig'
Hargitay describes the process of making the film as an "emotional archaeological dig." It was a bumpy but ultimately rewarding excavation of her mother's life. In a heart-wrenching parallel, she discovered a shared trauma: just as Hargitay lost her mother at age three, Jayne Mansfield lost her own father at the same tender age. This discovery forged a deeper connection, helping Hargitay understand her mother's pain and joy.
This project marks Hargitay's first time directing a feature documentary, a departure from her episodic television work on "SVU." She embraced the challenge, finding particular joy in the post-production process. Working with her editor, JD Marlow, and composer, Matt Lichtenstein, she chiseled a piece of art that beautifully honors her mother's memory through rich archival footage and a magnificent score.
The deeply personal and revealing film, "My Mom, Jayne," is more than just a documentary; it is a daughter's quest to understand, a fan's tribute to a misunderstood talent, and an invitation to see a Hollywood legend in a new, more authentic light.
"My Mom, Jayne" will premiere on HBO on June 27th.
© Adama Toulon (with Ai)