The Dollmaker

The Dollmaker is a 1984 American movie directed by Daniel Petrie. This film, made for television, is based on the 1954 novel of the same name written by Harriett Arnow. The film adaptation saw the multi-talented actress Jane Fonda taking on the lead role of Gertie Nevels, alongside noteworthy performances by Levon Helm and Amanda Plummer. Fonda's depiction of Gertie is robust and nuanced, reflecting the complex layers of the character, while Helm and Plummer bring life to the rural Kentucky backdrop where the storyline is set.

The film paints a vivid picture of Gertie Nevel's life, a young mother adrift in the tumultuous times of World War II. The storyline revolves around the complexities faced by Gertie and her five children when they are compelled to leave the comfort of rural Kentucky to follow her husband Clovis Nevels, played by Levon Helm, who has found work in a Detroit factory as part of the war effort. Fonda's formidable acting prowess comes to the fore as she grapples with the role of a strong, stubborn woman undergoing a challenging transition from rural to urban life.

The Dollmaker provides a close examination of American life during the war era, spotlighting the fateful choice that many made to abandon agricultural living for an urban industrial setting. The film also shines a light on the societal expectations of women during this time and their struggle to navigate these norms. These challenges give a broader context to Gertie's struggles, as she becomes a symbol for every woman battling the times and societal norms all while maintaining their individuality and strength.

Amanda Plummer plays the role of Mamie, another woman making her way through life's hardships in a gritty urban landscape. Plummer's performance imbues the character of Mamie with depth and realism, embodying the struggles of many young women facing societal struggles of poverty and alienation.

One of the core elements of the story is Gertie's talent in carving dolls from wood. This is not just a hobby for her; it represents her innate artistic expression and provides her with a psychological escape from the harsh realities of her life. The dolls are given significant metaphoric weight in the narrative, embodying Gertie's longing for home and reflecting her feelings of displacement and resilience.

Gertie is portrayed as a fiercely protective mother, doing everything she can to provide for her children. Jane Fonda mastered these scenes, portraying Gertie's singular strength and determination to create a semblance of comfort and normality for her family. Despite the trials and tribulations that comprise her experiences in Detroit, Gertie's spirit remains undaunting, her courage unwavering.

While Helm and Plummer put on memorable performances, Fonda is undeniably the heart and soul of The Dollmaker. Her casting in such a challenging role was a directorial masterstroke, as she embodied the character of Gertie with a raw, powerful, and highly emotional performance that was much acclaimed and even earned her an Emmy. She perfectly captured the essence of a woman desperately yearning for her lost home while bravely raring her children in a foreign and challenging urban setting.

The film's director, Daniel Petrie, effectively makes use of his exceptional cast to tell a story that encapsulates the challenging face of industrial America in the 1940s. He also emphasizes the underlying emotional turmoil of the characters, adding richness and depth to the narrative. The evocative cinematography allows the audience to subtly comprehend the contrast between the rural and urban locales, making it integral to the film's overall narrative and context.

Overall, The Dollmaker is a poignant exploration of human resilience amidst adversity and societal change. It takes viewers on a journey through American history, touching upon themes of displacement, familial love, and individual struggles. With its stellar cast and profound storytelling, it firmly establishes itself as a notable film of its era, one that captures the essence of an America grappling with the change and challenges brought about by the Second World War.