All About Eve
Ironically, we see the story repeating Itself at the end of the film. The story itself reflects a history that is as old as show business. Betty Davis’ plays Margo Changing, the star of the film fears her stardom will soon fade do to her turning 40 years of age. Margo goes through a series of events were she panics do to her aging. In reality being the age of 40 is not very old. However, in film business actresses are unable to play various roles. Ideally, most roles are created for pretty young woman, and after a certain age it is difficult to portray those oleos.
Males however, are able to continue their advancing years In many roles. Marco’s character Is egoistical, very demanding, and obsessed with stardom’s. Her life revolves around theater. The numbers of roles that are offered to her are suddenly decreasing. Although her character shows confidence on the outside, in the inside she is full of insecurities. Betty Davis’ was the perfect candidate for this role. Davis’ herself was a very famous Hollywood star whose career was going down the drain due to aging. This movie put this aging actress back to the top.
Ann Baxter plays the role of Eve. This character plays a role of a star struck fan. At first Eve seems to be a very naive, and sweet. Eve Is dressed down at the beginning in an old trench coat and hat. She Is setting herself up for an Improvising soul who has to pay cheap for a ticket at a standing room; giving the illusion that she is caught up with the love of the theater. She soon becomes Marco’s assistant, and then understudy. Both actresses convey their roles in such a natural way that it seems as if the roles were written for them.
Actuality, there was other actresses who were noninsured for these roles, but the castings prevailed. In the film, Eve becomes Marco’s understudy with the help, and Influences of great theater people. The film portrayed the rivalry and competition between actors. The movie was such a success that it was nominated for many awards. This film put Betty Davis back on top. Her great performance got Betty nominated In the academy awards for best actress. But, her co-star Ann Baxter (Eve) insisted on being nominated for the same award.
Rather than taking the award for supporting actress. This caused the votes for tooth actresses to cancel out; therefore, giving the award to the runner up. Eve later admitted her mistake In not accepting the supporting actress award. George Candler’s plays a theater critic named Addison De Witt. De Wit’s character is very egoistic, snobby, and believes he is the most important person in the theater world. His dialogue consists of sarcastic tones that set the films themes in perspective. His character represents the views of the director Amanuensis.
In a theater community a well recognized critic can make a difference in an audience. Monger than Margo. Yet, he falls in love with Margo and marries her. In real life, Merrill did fall in love with Davis, and also decided to marry her. Along with the cast of this great film Marilyn Monroe is introduced. Marilyn plays the role of Miss Caldwell. Miss Caldwell is interested in meeting wealthy men, and therefore uses her assets like her body to attract them. In real life Marilyn did use her assets to accomplish her goals. The films dialogue sets the movie apart from any other film.
The characters are always lively, and clever. Their tone of delivering their lines makes the audience stop and pay attention. The films dialogue undertones all the hidden feelings that the characters are establishing. It reflects the backstabbing, and the means people will take in order to reach stardom. The film director uses high key lighting in black and white in order to portray a flawless and glamorous look. This gives the image a clear and clean appearance. This choice of lighting smooth’s the characters flaws, and makes them appear younger than they are almost doll like.
In the film the people that are involved in theater appear to be very wealthy. The characters are dressed formal, and glamorous. It appears that the world the characters inhabit is white segregated. The characters all obtain fur coats, and they appear to treat them as if they had no value. Birdie (the helper of Margo) makes Jokes of the bed looking like a dead animal when the coats are thrown on the bed. Small items like these indicate wealthiest. The film “All about Eve” is a great representation of the behind the scenes of a theatre based environment.
The film represent the secret feelings, envy, Jealousy, and backstabbing between friends, and colleges. This film is an insightful manipulation of art imitating life. The clever dialogue and sharp performances illustrate the plot of the story. The audience is introduced to the story of a young lady and her ruthless way to rise in fame. Once she is an inspiring actress, we see the story repeat itself as a young lady enters the life of Eve claiming to be a star struck fan. The cycle repeats itself, and there are many women who are ready to take her spot.
