The HBO documentary "Being Mary Tyler Moore" delves into the life of an actress who embodied a certain optimistic feminism, sparking a complicated sense of nostalgia for viewers who grew up in the era of second-wave feminism.
For those who came of age during this period, Mary Tyler Moore holds a significant place in their memories. The documentary is likely to evoke two types of nostalgia — one gentle, tied to reminiscing about a beloved star of the past, and another more poignant, linked to a time when womanhood seemed filled with new and liberating possibilities, and feminism appeared to be on a promising trajectory.
In her iconic role as Mary Richards on the 1970s self-titled television show, Mary Tyler Moore presented a groundbreaking model of female adulthood. She portrayed a confident, beautiful unmarried woman over 30 who supported herself, adorned herself in fabulous clothes, found fulfillment through work and friendships, and navigated an active love life without the pressure to find a husband.
The documentary features comments from figures like Rosie O’Donnell and Katie Couric, who express how Mary Tyler Moore's character profoundly influenced their perceptions of women making their own way in life. The memorable theme song posed the question, "Who can turn the world on with her smile?" — a question that the opening montage of Marys joyfully answered, emphasizing Mary's expansive and fulfilling life beyond domestic confines.
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" represented a shift in television roles for women, departing from the traditional portrayals of dutiful wives and mothers or characters longing to break free from their limited lives. Mary Tyler Moore's own career mirrored this transition, evolving from her early role as Happy Hotpoint, a dancing figure on "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," to her breakthrough as Laura Petrie on "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
While her TV persona embraced feminism and addressed timely issues, the documentary highlights the complexity of Mary Tyler Moore's personal views on feminism. Despite her character's alignment with feminist ideals, the actress herself, according to a close friend, Beverly Sanders, didn't find feminism particularly appealing, identifying with it only to a certain extent.
In contrast to the independent Mary Richards, Mary Tyler Moore had been married for the majority of her adult life, relying heavily on the guidance of her second husband, Grant Tinker, who played a pivotal role in her successful career. The documentary navigates this duality, framing Mary Tyler Moore's life within the broader context of the women's movement, showcasing her impact on television and examining the complexities of her personal relationship with feminism.
