Review of All About Eve (1950) by Tanya K — 13 May 2009

It's out with the old and in with the new in the cut-throat world of show business. Mankiewicz's choice of opening with the end is brilliant. Like tabloids, he shows us a situation out of context and history.

We immediately assume Margo's scorn towards pretty little Eve, and Karen's flustered expression, stems from jealously of the young starlet's newfound success. However, coming to the same scene the second time around, we see it for what it really is.

Bette Davis' Margo is riveting and emotionally all encapsulating as she tries her best to hold on to her dignity in an industry that's constantly looking for young flesh. The more we get to know her, the more our heart aches for her.

Anne Baxter's transformation from sweet, vulnerable Eve into a conniving vulture just waiting to pick at Margo's flesh is shocking. We love to hate her as she stops at nothing to get to the top, even if it means destroying her idol and taking her place.

As much a story about obsession with fame, this is also about love for theatre. On stage, these women are goddesses revered and adored - they live for the applause. A seductress bar none, the stage destroys as quickly as she builds, and is herself seduced by youth and beauty which is always waiting in the wings.

A perfect film if ever there was one.