This is not one of this year's nominees but it is a Best Picture winner. Margo Channing (Bette Davis) is the darling of the theater. Every play she stars in becomes a hit and she has cultivated a team that consistently churns out star vehicles for her. If that makes her a little bit of a diva, it's worth it. Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) is Margo's biggest fan, waiting around night after night at the stage door just hoping to be noticed. Margo and her clique make a pet of Eve after hearing her sad backstory, but Margo grows increasingly paranoid that Eve is trying to supplant her, to take over her very life.
I am shocked and amazed that this is one sacred cow that hasn't yet been slaughtered on the remake altar. It was years ahead of its time and remains an incredibly sharp look at the nature of fame, celebrity and the obsession of youth and beauty within the industry. The only part that shows its age is the bit near the end when Addison DeWitt (George Sanders) slaps Eve for laughing at him. That's not okay. Other than that, this is a movie that could have been made this year.
This got nominated for a whopping 14 Oscars and won six. Bette Davis was great but Anne Baxter got fucking robbed by the Academy. Her performance as Eve is crazy good. Thelma Ritter didn't get a lot of screen time but she's always a solid performer. Celeste Holm absolutely nails the big doe-eyed, hand-wringing look but it wouldn't have been enough to get her Best Supporting Actress. But Joseph L. Mankiewicz very deservedly won for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
This is a classic for a reason. If you haven't seen it, take the time. It is absolutely worth it.
No comments:
Post a Comment