ALL ABOUT EVE. . . . IS one of my all-time favorite films. Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and starring an electrifying Bette Davis as the ripe mega star, Margo Channing, with many ingénues hot on her aging heels and one particular thespian, Eve, right by her side and just a bit out of Margo's blind spot.
In 2010, when all eyes are on the ladies for their 2009 acting performances, I thought I would tell you something about All About Eve. In 1951, All About Eve received a staggering 16 Oscar nominations including two for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Bette Davis and Anne Baxter. While Anne Baxter’s Eve was the impetus for the flow of the central theme of All About Eve. It was Bette Davis as Margot Channing, which steam rolled and elevated what could have been a laughable melodrama into an amazing tale of young versus old, star versus want-to-be and stage versus screen.
Davis’ delivery of now classic lines like “Fasten your seatbelts it’s going to be a bumpy ride,” are nearly spellbinding, while her gradual and unfolding gaze onto the psyche of her young star, Eve, is watching a true master at work. There are way too many memorable scenes and lines from All About Eve that even the longest, chicest dinner party would not facilitate the witty banter. The lines from 1950 still sound fresh and full of purpose – even if first uttered in 1950. Some things hold up. We call it a classic.
Unfortunately, just as in the movie, the younger star wanted things her own way. Rather then accept the Supporting Lead Actress, Ms. Baxter pushed the studio for Lead Actress, which she shared with Ms. Davis. In the end, both lost to Judy Holliday in Born Yesterday. Later, Ms. Baxter would confess she had made a big mistake. For me, however, Bette Davis was the biggest loser as All About Eve was a comeback of sorts. Davis worked endlessly, helping to re-shape the dialogue and re-arrange the wardrobe, both of which won Oscars. Indeed Davis definitely deserved to win an Oscar for Margo Channing, it is a performance young actors should study. In the end, All About Eve won six (6) Oscars including Best Director, Best Picture and Best Writing (Screenplay).
Now when we have all heard about or have seen Mo’Nique’s stellar performance in Precious, let’s not forget there is a first time actress, Gabourey Sidibe, who morphs into Precious and allowed Mo’Nique to have a performance to shine in.
And, YES, Bette Davis is my Best Actress forever!
No comments:
Post a Comment