Featuring one of the greatest on-screen duos in the history of cinema, All About Eve is intense without being suspenseful. The performances by leads Anne Baxter and Bette Davis, are second only to the pair of leads from Amadeus as my favourite leading pair of all-time. There are so many interesting themes in this film, it remains interesting even after repeated viewings.
The movie opens at an awards ceremony, where actress Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) is about to receive an award for a performance. As she is about to receive it, Karen Richards (Celeste Holm), wife of playwright Lloyd Richards (Hugh Marlowe), takes us back less than a year prior, to tell us the story of how she came to know Eve.
As an aspiring actress, Eve Harrington first introduced herself to Karen as a fan of world famous actress Margo Channing (Bette Davis). Sweet in nature, and full of youthful innocence, she befriends Karen, and is eventually given the opportunity to meet Margo backstage after a play. She meets Margo, along with Margo's friends who happen to be some of the most influential people in show business. Margo takes to Eve, and hires her as an aide. However, as Eve's trust is gained by Margo and her friends, she uses this opportunity as a springboard to bring her 'other plans' to fruition.
Along with Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice, and Emily Watson in Hilary and Jackie, Anne Baxter's performance as Eve Harrington is one of my absolute favourite female lead performances of all-time. She manages to be infectiously sweet and endearing, all the while equally conniving, scheming and opportunistic. I don't think I've ever experienced a more vast range of emotions toward a film character.
Matching her wit for wit is Bette Davis' Margo Channing. In fact, this is the performance that the overwhelming majority of people will say is the best performance of the film. Distinguishing the better performance for me is near impossible, but I give the edge to Baxter because of the way she made me feel.
The relationship between Margo and boyfriend Bill is one of the great on-screen romances, and is sweet because of it's honesty. The supporting cast is almost as interesting as the leads. Led by George Sanders, who won the Oscar for his role as critic Addison DeWitt, and complemented admirably by Celeste Holm, Gary Merrill and Hugh Marlowe, there isn't a weak link to be found. Marilyn Monroe also provides an entertaining cameo that gives a preview of the natural beauty and sweetness that she would have become known for.
This is my favourite film from what I consider to be the greatest decade for film in history. All About Eve is thoroughly entertaining, and contains some of the most popular lines ever written. This is the most recognisable role of screen legend Bette Davis' career, and is arguably her best. Complemented by Anne Baxter's phenomenal performance, this duo dominates the screen like few others could even hope to.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
The movie opens at an awards ceremony, where actress Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) is about to receive an award for a performance. As she is about to receive it, Karen Richards (Celeste Holm), wife of playwright Lloyd Richards (Hugh Marlowe), takes us back less than a year prior, to tell us the story of how she came to know Eve.
As an aspiring actress, Eve Harrington first introduced herself to Karen as a fan of world famous actress Margo Channing (Bette Davis). Sweet in nature, and full of youthful innocence, she befriends Karen, and is eventually given the opportunity to meet Margo backstage after a play. She meets Margo, along with Margo's friends who happen to be some of the most influential people in show business. Margo takes to Eve, and hires her as an aide. However, as Eve's trust is gained by Margo and her friends, she uses this opportunity as a springboard to bring her 'other plans' to fruition.
Along with Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice, and Emily Watson in Hilary and Jackie, Anne Baxter's performance as Eve Harrington is one of my absolute favourite female lead performances of all-time. She manages to be infectiously sweet and endearing, all the while equally conniving, scheming and opportunistic. I don't think I've ever experienced a more vast range of emotions toward a film character.
Matching her wit for wit is Bette Davis' Margo Channing. In fact, this is the performance that the overwhelming majority of people will say is the best performance of the film. Distinguishing the better performance for me is near impossible, but I give the edge to Baxter because of the way she made me feel.
The relationship between Margo and boyfriend Bill is one of the great on-screen romances, and is sweet because of it's honesty. The supporting cast is almost as interesting as the leads. Led by George Sanders, who won the Oscar for his role as critic Addison DeWitt, and complemented admirably by Celeste Holm, Gary Merrill and Hugh Marlowe, there isn't a weak link to be found. Marilyn Monroe also provides an entertaining cameo that gives a preview of the natural beauty and sweetness that she would have become known for.
This is my favourite film from what I consider to be the greatest decade for film in history. All About Eve is thoroughly entertaining, and contains some of the most popular lines ever written. This is the most recognisable role of screen legend Bette Davis' career, and is arguably her best. Complemented by Anne Baxter's phenomenal performance, this duo dominates the screen like few others could even hope to.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
I actually just saw All About Eve for the first time and I wholeheartedly agree: Anne Baxter actually kicked Bette Davis's ass in that movie. And you've no idea of how hard it is for me to say ANYBODY is better than Bette, ever. In any case, wonderful review, and I agree with every bit of it.
ReplyDeleteThank ya doll. We are 2 in a million who think that Baxter was the best in the film. But then again, it's almost as if we were soulmates the way we agree so often ;) Thanx for the comment.
ReplyDeleteYou write very well.
ReplyDelete