What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

In 1962, a movie was released that would leave a lasting impact on the film industry and pop culture as a whole. That movie was "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" Directed by Robert Aldrich, the psychological thriller stars screen legends Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as two aging sisters, trapped in a toxic and twisted relationship. The film explores themes of jealousy, resentment, and the price of fame, all while delivering a thrilling and suspenseful story.

The movie was met with critical acclaim upon its release, receiving five Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress for both Davis and Crawford. However, it was not without controversy, as the behind-the-scenes feud between the two leading actresses became almost as famous as the movie itself. Despite this drama, "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" has remained a beloved classic, and its influence can be seen in countless films and TV shows.

In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into the world of "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" and explore why it has stood the test of time. We'll examine the performances of Davis and Crawford, the themes and messages of the film, and the impact it has had on the horror and thriller genres. Additionally, we'll take a closer look at the behind-the-scenes drama between the two leading actresses and how it affected the making of the movie.

But first, let's ask ourselves: why does a movie released almost sixty years ago still captivate audiences today? What makes "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" so enduringly popular? Perhaps it's the dynamic performances of Davis and Crawford, or the eerie and unsettling atmosphere created by Aldrich. Or maybe it's the way the film explores the darker side of fame and fortune, and the toll it can take on those who chase it. Whatever the reason, there's no denying that "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" is a movie that has earned its place in cinematic history.

I'm sure you will also enjoy the following films:

I recently watched the 1990 movie "Misery" and let me tell you, it was a thrilling ride from start to finish. Directed by Rob Reiner, the movie stars James Caan as a famous author who gets rescued by a fan played by Kathy Bates, who goes to extreme lengths to keep him captive and force him to write a new book.

Plot and Summary

The movie starts with Paul Sheldon (James Caan), a famous author, getting into a car accident during a snowstorm. He is rescued by his biggest fan, Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), who takes him to her remote cabin to nurse him back to health. Little does Paul know, Annie is obsessed with his book series and becomes enraged when she finds out he has killed off her favorite character. She forces him to write a new book to bring the character back to life, and the movie follows the tense and twisted relationship between the two.

Strong Points

One of the strongest points of the movie is the acting. Kathy Bates gives an incredible performance as Annie, perfectly portraying her obsession and madness. James Caan also does a great job as the captive author, showing his fear and desperation throughout the movie. The cinematography is also impressive, with the remote cabin and snowy setting adding to the suspenseful atmosphere.

Weak Points

One potential weak point of the movie is that it can be quite slow-paced at times. However, this also adds to the tension and allows the audience to feel the same claustrophobia and desperation as Paul.

Special Qualities

What makes "Misery" special is its ability to create a sense of dread and unease throughout the entire movie. The relationship between Paul and Annie is incredibly twisted and uncomfortable to watch, but you can't look away. The cast also elevates the movie, with both Caan and Bates delivering outstanding performances.

Overall Opinion

Overall, I highly recommend "Misery" to anyone looking for a suspenseful and thrilling movie. The acting, cinematography, and plot all come together to create an unforgettable experience. Just be prepared for some uncomfortable and intense moments.

Black Swan: A Masterpiece of Psychological Thriller

Darren Aronofsky's 2010 release Black Swan is an intense and gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark side of human nature. The film stars Natalie Portman, who gives a stunning performance as Nina, a ballerina who is struggling to achieve perfection in her art. The movie takes us on a journey through Nina's mind as she battles with her inner demons in pursuit of the lead role in Swan Lake.

Plot Summary

The movie revolves around the life of Nina, a talented ballerina who has been chosen to play the lead role in Swan Lake. She is determined to give the performance of her life, but her quest for perfection takes a toll on her mental health. As she rehearses for the role, Nina struggles to embody the dual nature of the swan, which requires both innocence and sensuality.

Nina's descent into madness is triggered by the arrival of Lily, a new dancer who is her perfect opposite. Whereas Nina is fragile and innocent, Lily is wild and free-spirited. The two dancers form a complicated relationship that ultimately leads to tragedy.

Impressions

Black Swan is a stunning masterpiece that showcases the brilliance of Aronofsky's direction and Portman's acting. The movie is a work of art that expertly blends horror, drama, and suspense. The cinematography is breathtaking, and the use of color and light creates a haunting and surreal atmosphere.

One of the strongest points of the movie is its exploration of the human psyche. The film delves deep into the mind of a troubled artist and shows how the pursuit of perfection can lead to madness. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the acting is top-notch. Portman's performance is particularly impressive, and she deservedly won an Oscar for her portrayal of Nina.

Another strong point of the film is its use of music. The score by Clint Mansell is haunting and beautiful, and it perfectly captures the mood of the movie. The use of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake is also brilliant, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the story.

Weak points

One of the weak points of the movie is that it can be hard to follow at times. The film's surrealism and use of metaphor can be confusing, especially for those who are not familiar with the world of ballet. Additionally, the movie's ending may not be satisfying for some viewers, as it leaves many questions unanswered.

Final thoughts

Overall, Black Swan is a cinematic masterpiece that is not to be missed. The movie is a stunning work of art that expertly explores the dark side of human nature. The acting, direction, and cinematography are all top-notch, and the film is a feast for the senses. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers or art-house cinema, this movie is a must-see.

Sunset Boulevard (1950) - A Classic Hollywood Masterpiece

Sunset Boulevard is a timeless classic Hollywood movie directed by the legendary filmmaker, Billy Wilder. This film is a perfect example of how Wilder's directing skills and the cinematography of John F. Seitz can make a phenomenal movie. I recently watched this movie, and it still holds up to this day. It's a must-watch for anyone who is a fan of classic Hollywood movies.

The Plot and the Summary

The movie follows the story of Joe Gillis, a down-on-his-luck writer who is struggling to make ends meet. One day, while trying to evade some debt collectors, he pulls into the driveway of a decaying mansion on Sunset Boulevard. The mansion turns out to be the home of Norma Desmond, a former silent movie star who is now living in seclusion. Norma hires Joe to help her write a screenplay for her comeback movie, which she believes will make her a star once again.

As Joe gets deeper into Norma's life, he realizes that she is living in a fantasy world and is completely delusional about her comeback. Meanwhile, Joe begins to develop a romantic relationship with Norma, which becomes increasingly complicated as he tries to disentangle himself from her grip.

The Impressions

Sunset Boulevard is a truly remarkable movie that captures the essence of classic Hollywood. The film's mood is dark and moody, with a tinge of sadness and tragedy. The performances of Gloria Swanson and William Holden are outstanding, and they bring their characters to life in a way that is both compelling and tragic.

The movie's strong point is its direction and cinematography. The way Wilder and Seitz use the camera to tell the story is masterful. The film's iconic opening scene, where the camera follows the lifeless body of Joe Gillis as he floats in the swimming pool, sets the tone for the entire movie.

The movie's only weak point is its pacing. The film moves at a slow pace, which might not be to everyone's liking. However, this slow pace adds to the film's moody and melancholic tone.

What Makes This Movie Special

Sunset Boulevard is special because it captures the essence of Hollywood in the 1950s. The film is a commentary on the film industry itself, and it's a reflection of the way Hollywood treated its stars. It's a haunting and melancholic movie that will leave you with a lot to think about.

The Cast

The cast of Sunset Boulevard is phenomenal. Gloria Swanson gives a career-defining performance as Norma Desmond, the delusional former silent movie star. William Holden is equally impressive as Joe Gillis, the struggling writer who gets caught up in Norma's world. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and they bring their characters to life in a way that is both tragic and beautiful.

My Personal Opinion

As a movie expert, I would highly recommend Sunset Boulevard to anyone who is a fan of classic Hollywood movies. The film is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of Hollywood in the 1950s. The direction and cinematography are masterful, and the performances of Gloria Swanson and William Holden are outstanding. The movie's moody and melancholic tone will stay with you long after you've finished watching it. Overall, Sunset Boulevard is a must-watch for any movie lover.

As a movie enthusiast who appreciates well-crafted films, I recently watched the 1969 release "Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice?" This movie is directed by Lee H. Katzin and is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Plot Summary

The movie is set in the 1960s, and the story follows the life of Mrs. Marrable (Geraldine Page), a wealthy widow, and her new gardener, Harriet Vaughn (Ruth Gordon). Mrs. Marrable is known for hiring elderly women to work for her, and several of them have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Harriet, who is new to the area, quickly befriends Mrs. Marrable and becomes suspicious of her strange behavior. She starts investigating the disappearances and uncovers shocking secrets.

Impressions of the Movie

The movie is a slow-burning thriller that is not for everyone, but it is an excellent example of how to create tension and suspense without resorting to cheap jump scares. The movie's strength lies in its strong performances, especially from Geraldine Page and Ruth Gordon, who are both fantastic in their respective roles. The two actresses have great chemistry, which makes their scenes together all the more engaging.

The movie's weak point is its pacing, which might not be everyone's cup of tea. It takes a while for the story to pick up, and some viewers might find the first half of the movie slow and uneventful. However, the second half of the movie more than makes up for the slow buildup, and the tension builds up to the grand finale.

What Makes This Movie Special?

"Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice?" is a movie that has stood the test of time. Despite being over 50 years old, the movie is still as engaging and thrilling as it was when it was first released. The movie is a testament to the power of great acting and storytelling. It also has a great cast, with notable appearances from actors like Rosemary Forsyth and Robert Fuller.

Personal Opinion

As a movie enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoyed watching "Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice?" The movie is a great example of how to create suspense and tension without resorting to cheap jump scares. It also has a great cast, with strong performances from Geraldine Page and Ruth Gordon. While the pacing might be slow for some viewers, the payoff is worth it, and the movie's ending is satisfying. Overall, I highly recommend watching this classic thriller.

"The Others" is a 2001 supernatural horror film that has been directed by Alejandro Amenabar, who is known for his excellent work in cinematography and direction. The film stars Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston, and Alakina Mann in the lead roles. The movie is set in 1945, on the island of Jersey, where a woman named Grace Stewart is waiting for her husband to return from World War II. Grace is a devoutly religious woman who lives with her two children, Anne and Nicholas, in a large, remote house. The film revolves around the supernatural events that occur in the house and how Grace tries to unravel the mystery behind them.

Plot and Summary

The plot of "The Others" is intriguing and well-executed. The movie opens with Grace (Nicole Kidman) and her two children, Anne and Nicholas, living in a large, remote house in Jersey. Grace is a devoutly religious woman who is waiting for her husband to return from the war. The children are suffering from a rare disease that makes them allergic to sunlight. As a result, the curtains in the house remain drawn, and the family lives in darkness. Strange occurrences begin to happen in the house, and Grace becomes convinced that they are being haunted by supernatural entities. She hires a group of servants to help her manage the house, but they too seem to be hiding something. The plot thickens as Grace tries to uncover the truth behind the strange events in the house.

Impressions

The cinematography in "The Others" is stunning, and the use of light and darkness is excellent. The film creates a creepy and eerie atmosphere that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The performances by the actors are also commendable, especially Nicole Kidman, who delivers a powerful performance as Grace. The movie's pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of tension and suspense. The twist ending is also well-executed and leaves the audience in shock.

Strong and Weak Points

The movie's strong points are its cinematography, direction, and performances. The use of light and darkness is excellent and adds to the movie's overall atmosphere. The twist ending is also well-executed and leaves a lasting impression. The weak point of the movie is that it might be too slow-paced for some viewers who are looking for more action or jump scares.

Personal Opinion

"The Others" is an excellent horror movie that is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The movie's cinematography and direction are top-notch, and the performances by the actors are commendable. The movie's plot is intriguing, and the twist ending is well-executed. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a good horror film.