Review of All About Eve (1950) by Seán C — 03 Nov 2013

I have to admit that this is the most I've suffered through a movie that I actually liked quite a bit. Shaving about 20 minutes off of this movie would have done wonders for my attention span as parts of it dragged almost mercilessly, but I don't want all of that to detract from what I really did admire about the movie.

Eve Herrington is easily one of the most cunning female antagonists of all time and her presentation in the movie (as well as her inevitable downfall) are brilliantly handled, and George Sanders gives a timelessly cynical performance that evokes countless imitators to this day as the wry intellectual who plays to the weaknesses of others.

Bette Davis' Margo Channing shows obvious shades of Gloria Swanson in "Sunset Blvd." but without the eccentricity of film noir; she feels more like a real person and more vulnerable, though ultimately less tragic than Norma Desmond.

I still prefer "Sunset Blvd." but I get the appeal of "All About Eve" and it's one I could see myself suffering through again, just to take in the fantastic performances and snappy script.