Film

Mimi Weddell, 'Hats Off' to You Ma'am!

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

Friday, March 28, 2008

It’s 90 the new 40. Indeed, that seems to be true in ‘Hats Off’ an extraordinary documentary that talks about the life of Mimi Weddell. A woman well past her prime – if age is a factor – but whose surviving spirit keeps pushing in her acting career and life.

Director Jyll Johnstone follows Mimi Weddell over the course of 10 years to bring onto the screen all of the eccentricities of this extraordinary woman. The approach is candid and unapologetic because whatever is in Mimi’s mind will be said as it is. After all this iconic New York actress has no time to make apologies for the way she thinks and feels about her essence and acting career that began at age 65.

What got her started in acting might have been out of need but she’s become a star in her own right. After her husband’s death as she candidly says; “leaving nothing but bills, poor man”. Mimi immersed herself in the world of acting with her first role – which she auditioned on the way to her husband’s funeral – in the lead of ‘Dracula’s Last Rite’. After that a series of print ads(Vanity Fair, Louis Vuitton), T.V. roles (Sex and the City, Law & Order) and feature films (Across the Universe, Hitch) kept her above it all. Mimi’s philosophy and personal mantra ‘rise above it’ is one of the other reasons she continues on with this crazy lifestyle. She is capable of moving through the difficult times and pursues her dreams – even against her own children’s wish.

Johnstone is able to create a good balance between Mimi’s starry career and her family. The relationship between Mimi and her children are nothing but compelling; they also bring to the piece a sense of humor and family dysfunction. After all isn’t that what all families are made of. But the most interesting aspect of their dynamics is that Mimi is not worry about what people – even her children – might think of her life choices after all they are a bit earthbound as she elegantly puts it. Sarah Dillon – the youngest of Mimi’s children – has a great adult relationship with her mother. In a strange way the roles have switched later in life. “Now I think it’s ironic”; explains Sarah, “that I’m taking care of the woman who used to take care of me”. Johnstone definitely challenges the viewer to think about their own family dynamics.

Overall, ‘Hats Off’ is an astounding feature documentary profiling the life of Actress-Model-Mother-Independent and Free-Spirit Mimi Weddell. A graceful and creative woman, an iconic New York actress that moves with the energy of the wind. Her legacy and spirit are definitely an inspiration for everyone to rise above it.

Check out the film’s Official Website