Review of All About Eve (1950) by Edwin P — 14 Jul 2010

Itâ??s been said that Hollywood doesnâ??t make movies like it used to. There is a certain truth to that sentiment especially when the sole focus is on the box office rather than on artistic merits. That is why films made outside of the studio system, Sundance and the Independent Spirit Awards came into fruition. Luckily, thereâ??s also DVD and Blu-ray so we can enjoy those Hollywood classics.

"All About Eve" fits that bill. It is one of the greatest films and perhaps the best written screenplay of all time. Its story offers a different perspective about theater understudies. Here they are portrayed as backstabbing liars who will scheme their way to the top and not as hardworking struggling actors. It is intelligently written, full of cynicism and wit with some of the most memorable lines and dialogue ever captured on celluloid. It is written and directed with precision by Joseph Mankiewicz.

Still, a well-written script can only go so far without the strong actors to deliver the lines. "Eve" is one of those films where everything came together with its casting. The performances are remarkable including its two leads Bette Davis and Anne Baxter and its supporting cast with George Sanders taking home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1950. It was nominated for 14 Oscars â?? the most in film history only to be duplicated by "Titanic" almost 50 years later.

There are currently two DVD versions available with the 2003 release reportedly giving the best transfer in both picture and sound. A blu-ray release is highly anticipated.