As discussed in her memoir, Faye Dunaway continued to act while living in London but only accepted projects that were shooting nearby so that she could spend time with her family. Some of those projects include 1983’s “The Wicked Lady” and 1984’s “Supergirl,” both of which earned Dunaway additional Razzie nominations. However, unlike “Mommie Dearest,” Dunaway enjoyed filming both projects, saying they provided some much-needed levity following her work as Joan Crawford.
Upon her return to Hollywood, Dunaway did make a bit of a splash opposite Mickey Rourke in “Barfly,” a drama about struggling alcoholics. The film, released in 1987, earned her some of the best reviews she has ever received, including from established critics like Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert, as well as her eighth Golden Globe nomination. Later, in 1993, Dunaway appeared opposite Johnny Depp and Jerry Lewis in “Arizona Dream,” which received the Silver Bear Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
However, even considering her successes, Dunaway struggled to reach the top of her once-tall pedestal. Films like 1990’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and 1993’s “The Temp” were both critical and box office failures, despite Dunaway receiving light praise for her performances. In addition, studio interference on “The Temp,” which had its ending reshot one month before release, and “Arizona Dream,” which had been unsuccessfully recut by the studio after its festival premiere, had soured Dunaway’s experiences with Hollywood yet again.