Imitation of Life (1959). Photofest.
(Douglas Sirk, US 1959, 125 min., 35mm)
Oscar Week | Member Movie. In hopes of establishing a career, aspiring actor Lora Meredith (Lana Turner) moves to New York City with her daughter Susie. While visiting Coney Island, chance brings them together with Annie Johnson and her daughter, Sarah. When Lora hires Annie as her maid, a “family” of sorts is forged in a cramped New York apartment. As Lora’s success mounts, her relationships begin to suffer, and Sarah becomes resentful of her mother’s subservient position. Based on the 1933 Fannie Hurst novel, Sirk’s notorious final feature is exceptional in its depiction of family strife and racial issues in 1950s America. Free to all George Eastman Museum members.