The film Smash - Up The Story of a Woman was controversial, particularly for its time as it contravened the then strict Hays Code (1930 - 1968), which acted as a censorship and as such a moral guidance. In this respect the Hays Code defined morality for the masses, which of course Smash Up defies.
Therefore, Smash-up is not merely a controversial subject matter, but a defiant, rebellious film. With this image, it is rumoured that major film actors of the day didn't want any part in it as it might compromise their carefully contrived film star image. This left a chasm in which a film role of an alcoholic mother, wife and homemaker needed filling.
The controversial nature of the role is ripe for a struggling actor, such as Susan Hayward. Consequently, Hayward seizes the opportunity to gain fame via notoriety, and controversy. Accordingly, notoriety is the agent of Hayward's fame, which inadvertently relegates her acting ability to a secondary position.
In this respect, it is the acquiring of a role for its controversial nature that portrays Hayward, (or at least her agent) as somewhat, calculating. This form of Machiavelianism has been seized upon by many public relations' agents subsequently, and none more so than today. Indeed, the popular press is full of controversial stories about contemporary celebrities, such as actors Agelina Jolie and Brad Pitt adopting children from developing counties. There are many other examples of today's celebrities courting fame via controversy. Smash-Up illustrates this well as in it acts as the agent of Hayward's fame.
Despite the speculative reasons why Hayward took on the controversial part, she's been short-changed as her role lacks flesh. In order comply with the then Hays Code, it is watered down, and too melodramatic. The subject matter of alcohol dependency is therefore undermined. This is exacerbated by Hayward's always glamorous presence on screen, in her role as Angel.
Of course her glamour is partly made by Angel's, middle-class lifestyle where she complies to the role of the dutifully wife, mother and home-maker, which as a former career woman she finds lacks fulfilment. Part of her trouble is that Western society doesn't value Motherhood, or home-making as it is not seen as directly contributing to the wealth of a nation. All Angel wants is to feel valued and worthy in her role at home.
This film has important issues which should not be dismissed just because it's melodramatic. At least it was a brave decision to produce it, which deserves credit alone, particularly during the Hays Code era. It is also particularly interesting as it illustrates how controversy serves as the agent of celebrity and fame. As an aside note, it was 19th Centuty, classic English novelist Charles Dickens who noted that controversy brought about celebrity. In this respect Dickens was referring to public hangings.
Therefore, Smash-up is not merely a controversial subject matter, but a defiant, rebellious film. With this image, it is rumoured that major film actors of the day didn't want any part in it as it might compromise their carefully contrived film star image. This left a chasm in which a film role of an alcoholic mother, wife and homemaker needed filling.
The controversial nature of the role is ripe for a struggling actor, such as Susan Hayward. Consequently, Hayward seizes the opportunity to gain fame via notoriety, and controversy. Accordingly, notoriety is the agent of Hayward's fame, which inadvertently relegates her acting ability to a secondary position.
In this respect, it is the acquiring of a role for its controversial nature that portrays Hayward, (or at least her agent) as somewhat, calculating. This form of Machiavelianism has been seized upon by many public relations' agents subsequently, and none more so than today. Indeed, the popular press is full of controversial stories about contemporary celebrities, such as actors Agelina Jolie and Brad Pitt adopting children from developing counties. There are many other examples of today's celebrities courting fame via controversy. Smash-Up illustrates this well as in it acts as the agent of Hayward's fame.
Despite the speculative reasons why Hayward took on the controversial part, she's been short-changed as her role lacks flesh. In order comply with the then Hays Code, it is watered down, and too melodramatic. The subject matter of alcohol dependency is therefore undermined. This is exacerbated by Hayward's always glamorous presence on screen, in her role as Angel.
Of course her glamour is partly made by Angel's, middle-class lifestyle where she complies to the role of the dutifully wife, mother and home-maker, which as a former career woman she finds lacks fulfilment. Part of her trouble is that Western society doesn't value Motherhood, or home-making as it is not seen as directly contributing to the wealth of a nation. All Angel wants is to feel valued and worthy in her role at home.
This film has important issues which should not be dismissed just because it's melodramatic. At least it was a brave decision to produce it, which deserves credit alone, particularly during the Hays Code era. It is also particularly interesting as it illustrates how controversy serves as the agent of celebrity and fame. As an aside note, it was 19th Centuty, classic English novelist Charles Dickens who noted that controversy brought about celebrity. In this respect Dickens was referring to public hangings.