Jessica Lange Serves an Honest Portrayal of Joan Crawford as the Curtain Closes on ‘Feud: Bette and Joan’

The newest addition to the Ryan Murphy anthology-verse, “Feud,” concluded its eight-episode run March 24 in a grandiose fashion. The first season of “Feud,” based on the infamous Hollywood ruff between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, remained consistent in quality and presentation throughout its entire short run.

Even though the series, subtitled “Bette and Joan,” looked at both actresses – their careers, their personal relationships, and their struggles – ultimately the series ended up being a character profile for Joan Crawford specifically. The focus was pulled, especially in the season finale, from both actresses to the tragic final years of the late Joan Crawford.

Beginning with the 1962 production of “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,” the series chronicled Davis and Crawford during a transitional part of their careers – going from A-List and in demand talent to being “too old” to hold a picture. Tired of her current status, Crawford put fate into her hands by putting together the team for “Baby Jane,” including requesting long time nemesis Bette Davis to co-star alongside her in the picture.

“Baby Jane” was only the beginning of the life-long feud between the two Hollywood heavyweights. The scuffle at the 1963 Academy Awards (for which Davis was nominated, and Crawford was not) included one of the best single takes on television, as the camera followed Crawford weaving backstage at the ceremony.

The end of the season focused on the production of a “Baby Jane” follow-up, which attempted to put both actresses on the screen together once again. Crawford later dropped out, and the reunion never came to fruition.

Not only did the series do a phenomenal job at showcasing the professional life of both actresses, but it also pulled the curtain on both of their personal lives. Including failed marriages and distant relationships with their children – begging the comparison that perhaps they weren’t so different after all. Unfortunately for Davis, by the time she came to this realization, it was too late.

It could have been easy for Crawford (Jessica Lange) and Davis (Susan Sarandon) to receive one-dimensional impersonations, but Lange and Sarandon did just the opposite. They offered equal and fair representations of both actresses – breathing life into both characters serving up honest and empathetic portrayals.  

Come awards season, it will not be surprising to see Lange receive recognition for her raw and real performance. Her portrayal of Crawford captured an inside look at the glamorous and extravagant life that she lived. Ultimately, the series humanized her and brought her down to a relatable level. The finale was a grand showcase for Lange and provided depth into the final years of the late actress who delved into seclusion after she had felt her beauty had left her.

Even though the series takes place during the ’60s and ‘70s, the themes remain relevant. Marginalized by the Hollywood studio system with a distinct sense of puppetry, Bette and Joan faced ridicule in the media and endured a great deal of ageism and misogyny.

Headed with phenomenal production design, direction, acting, and witty writing – “Feud” holds up against Murphy’s other series and sheds light on relevant issues still constructed by today’s society.

Season two of “Feud” has already started pre-production. The second season will focus on Prince Charles and Princess Diana – starting with the divorce papers.

Feud” season one finale aired April 23 and returns for season 2 in 2018 on FX.