Movie #29: All About Eve. Or really, all about a manipulative biatch.

Title: All About Eve

Starring: Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm

Directed by: Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Number on the AFI List: 28

Year: 1950

“Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.”

Way to go Joseph L. Mankiewicz for directing a film with great female characters back in the 50s. I knew something was wrong with Eve, played by Anne Baxter, from the moment I first saw her on screen. As suspected, she turned out to be a conniving wannabe actress looking to ride the coattails of an already successful actress, Margo Channing, played by Bette Davis. What’s infuriating about the movie is Eve becomes successful (not a spoiler-it’s the opening scene). What’s satisfying is that it’s not exactly in the way Eve had intended. I was captured by the story from the moment the movie began until it ended, and appreciated the discussion of theatre and what it takes to make it as an actor/actress. How far will one go to achieve fame and fortune? How many people will one manipulate, step on, or even blackmail in order to achieve their dreams? Unfortunately, this is done far too often in an industry where, one “gives so much for so little,” and yet is addicted to praise and applause-like Eve. 

I can’t express how great the acting is from every actress in this movie. Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, and Celeste Holm, dominated this movie with power, conviction, and believability. And get this- no need for overt sex appeal! All three leading women were distinct in their character work. Davis avoided stereotypical actress clichés with great control and beautifully carried the film. Baxter played Eve with wonderful poise and subtleties, feigning innocence and playing her hidden motives like a skilled poker player. Holm was a breath of fresh air as the kindhearted, matronly Karen Richards, whose sweetness and naiveté kept the others down to earth. None of these women got the Oscars they deserved, but I’m glad the movie won the well deserved best picture!

“All playwrights should be dead for 300 years!”

“That would solve none of their problems because actresses never die! The stars never die and never change!”

Favorite moment: The conversation on the staircase at Margo's house where they talk about what it is to be a theatre person. I can't find a clip online but it's a great moment! 

Will I watch it again: Yes!