The Burning Bed

THIS IS AN INTENSE MOVIE - BUT VERY GOOD. ARRIVED TIMELY AND IN GREAT CONDITION

This movie was great I'd recommend it

Farrah Fawcett was spot on as Francine. Micky and family came over as semi one dimensional. Still, it is overall well done and as convincing as a TV movie can be.So many people have trouble seeing how insidious a violent relationship can be. "Why didn't she (or he) just leave?" First, almost nobody abuses you on the first couple dates. Second, many targets of abuse become abusers. Also, those that do are amazing at finding individuals with trauma history. I'd like to think I have some intelligence, but I found myself in an abusive relationship in my 20s. It was like, "How did I get to this place?" The relationship becomes controlling bit by bit and you come to believe that it's YOU. Farrah captured the erosion of any sense of worth perfectly.

"The Burning Bed" is a made for tv movie based on the life of Francine Hughes while she was married to, divorced from, and after killing Mickey Hughes. The movie displays the story by starting with the burning bed incident. We see Francine coming out of the garage and into the house with a gas can in her hands. The kids are already in the car when she sets fire to the bed. They drive off after the fire is going and Francine turns herself in at the police station. After that the story progresses through a series of flashbacks while undergoing preparation for trial. Francine is found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity.It feels like you are on the journey with Francine as she tries to get help from local law enforcement and social services offices. Her efforts are fruitless not due to her lack of pursuit, but due to the negative responses from those who should have helped her.What I don't think some people realize is how true this situation can be for others. I have heard people dismiss the film as a piece of "feminist tripe," which is too bad. The film does not vilify men (which it should not do since men and women can experience abuse), but shines a light on the reality of domestic violence.

I love Farrah, great acting. Thank you so much.

Should of bought a re-make old movie are grainy

I initially purchased this film in VHS format many years ago for a college project about wife abuse. I was captivated with Farrah Fawcett's performance and how truly realistic and emotionally traumatizing a life like this would be. The acting was exceptional by the entire cast, and I feel despite all the hooplah about Fawcett's performance in Extremities, it pales in comparison. Fawcett should have received an award for her performance in this film, and I feel that due to the sensitive nature of the subject it was pushed under the rug. Once the topic of wife abuse became more recognized later on down the road anyone and everyone was making films on the subject, but not a one of them could compare to this truly well made rendition. Once the DVD version became available, I had to buy one but at a price, as it was a rare, hard to find commodity. I don't regret paying more for this version as I will watch this film time and again and continue to be amazed by Fawcett's superb acting and the director's excellent qualities behind the camera as well.

Like that it's a true story. But sorry for that as well. Very compelling. Hurt my heart to watch it. But made it feel better due to the ending