Thursday, February 23, 2012

All About Eve (1950)

All About Even is a 1950's American drama film written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and is based on the 1946 s  hort story "The Wisdom of Eve" by Mary Orr. The film stars Bette Davis as Margo Channing, a highly regarded, Broadway star. Anne Baxter plays Eve Harrington, the young and helpful uber fan who worms her way into Channing's life, and ultimately menacing her career and personal relationships.

This film  possesses an understated suspense that quickly reinstates your worst fear: someone who wants to be you. It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery but it is not quite the same when the person is trying to take over your life by all means. Through unbelievable manipulation, Harrington willingly attempts to ruin relationships and careers over her dignity. Sadly, Ive never heard of this Anne Baxter but good thing i did because she is the definition of a great actor. Even though her face translates the warm and kindness of one's soul, her attitude is as sharp as a razor. and that is what a true actor is, a chameleon in the best sense. It is an inception kind of realization because while watching the movie, one can understand the capacity of Baxter's talent in and out of the realms of the film.

It is truly sad that this is only the second film I've watched with Bette Davis in it. The first was 'What Happen to Baby Jane?' which scared the day lights out of me. the only person right now that i can think of that can possibly become the next Bette Davis is Meryl Streep. But Davis as usual holds up her smug gaze that not only exudes dominant presence but also and an alluring mystery with each ogle. Bring these two supreme talents together and what we get is a cat fight between rival drama queens. In our celebrity/fame obsessed world, All About Eve shows the length and limits it takes to achieve the dream. A