all about eve [A+]

moviemcpeake snippet: Yes. I gave this timeless black and white classic an A+. What a pleasant surprise. I have owned the DVD for a few months now and only purchased it because of my admiration for the leading actress, Bette Davis. But this film is loaded with acting, story, characters, complications, deceit…I could go on.

To my surprise All About Eve which is about a character named Eve, is not played by Bette Davis. She is played by a much younger actress, named Anne Baxter. The film is about a seasoned famous theatrical actress nearing her forties, played by Davis that befriends a young fan, Eve. Eve is humble, yet obsessive about helping and studying Margo. I watched on the edge of my seat as the men and the women hid their fears and insecurities, and revealed all as they back stabbed.

This film was nominated for a record 14 Oscar nominations. The record has since only been tied by Titanic, which says worlds about this film which has no special effects, no action and all story and character development.

Davis and Baxter shine as on screen duos. Davis is so cool and temperamental. So strong and vulnerable. There are so many quotable phrases in this film. So many wonderful lines. The supporting cast is tremendous with the legendary Thelma Ritter leading the way who always seems to play the same character that you love to see pop in and out of the scenes with her wicked humor. Marilyn Monroe’s first on screen appearance comes early on in the film and although she doesn’t steal the scene you immediately notice her as her character uses her sex appeal to get auditions.

All About Eve is art imitating life. It revived Davis’s career and did something for women no other filmed had achieved, allowed them to have multi-dimensional leading roles after their forties. It is clearly a classic as the relationships and the story grab your attention fifty-five years later. Davis is so iconic that it never gets old watching her temper, her movement, and those eyes. Those Bette Davis eyes.

recommendation: own and watch again and again.