Fasten Your Seatbelts...

#29—All About Eve

I truly believe that the never ending notion that younger is better is never going to die among Hollywood. Well, maybe the belief will never die anywhere in our society. Sometimes younger isn’t always better and I base that on some of the beautiful actresses coming out with zero talent. Don’t worry I’m not going to name names, but it is funny that there is one film during the 1950s that personified this statement. Ranked 29^th on the American Film Institute’s list of Top 100 films, All About Eve shows that younger may not always be a better thing.

Told through flashbacks, All About Eve centers around a young star-struck girl named Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter The Ten Commandments) who has come to meet Broadway legend Margo Channing (Bette Davis Now, Voyager). Winning over the actress with her innocent demeanor, Margo hires the young Eve to become her personal assistant. However, there seems to be a deeper meaning into why Eve wanted to meet her ‘idol’ and that meaning seems to have harsher consequences than Margo is willing to accept.

I really feel that this film has become one of my favorites, not only from this list, but of all time. The film has so many undertones that seem to be groundbreaking for 1950. First and foremost is that fact that women in this film are shown as strong and able to make their own decisions about their lives. Strong women have always been personified in Hollywood movies, but not to this extent. They are front and center in this film. The other underlining meaning to the film of younger is better seems to show itself as a revolving door. The film basically says ‘enjoy your career for all its worth, because you can and will be replaced at first chance.’ I also really enjoyed the look into the 1950s theatre world and how things worked on Broadway during the time period.

Of course I can’t forget the unforgettable performances of the two leading ladies. Davis carries herself as every diva should, but does it in a way that makes her sympathetic to the audience. I think if an actress can make a entitled prima donna a likeable character, you deserve every praise you get. Davis’ opposite is very much worthy of the praise as well. Baxter portrays a sweet and youthful Eve in the beginning and slowly turns her into the villain of the film. Out to steal everything that Margo has worked hard for, Baxter subtly takes Eve down a path of spitefulness.

I thought that this was the greatest thing that director Joseph L. Mankiewicz (Guys and Dolls) could have done with this film. Mankiewicz slowly switches the roles of Margo and Eve. As one starts out the diva, slowly becomes the insignificant actress. Mankiewicz also is able to insert a little comedy into the film that seems to lift the ‘spirit’ of the film.

I personally feel that this film should be higher on AFI’s list, but mainly because I am partially bias of the film. Films like this are the reason why I have loved movies and the art of filmmaking. The film produces some of the best performances by an actress on screen and the pure joy of watching all elements of drama, comedy, romance, and even suspense come together onto one screen.

The Verdict: Should Have Been Higher.