Review of Gaslight (1944) by Michael C — 02 Oct 2009
A wonderful mystery film with some really strong performances. The story of a woman driven slowly mad by her husband, who may have been responsible for a tragedy in her past, is really involving, and though its not shot with the same virtuoso technique the content of the story reminded me of a really great Hitchcock film.
Ingrid Bergman is great in the lead female role, really selling the idea that she is slowly having a mental breakdown over her husband's sinister ways. Bergman doesn't try to play it too over the top.
Instead, she plays it with a level of desperation, confusion, and fear that makes you both scared for her and scared with her. And Charles Boyer is a terrific villain. He seems almost repulsed by Bergman and then turns the tables and is gentle with her, all the while planting horrible doubts in her mind.
He isn't a hulking beast of a monster, but a more subtle image of evil that was very interesting. A really cool mystery with beautiful, atmospheric black and white photography that is alternately muted and crystal-clear and alive.
This review of Gaslight (1944) was written by Michael C on 02 Oct 2009.
Gaslight has generally received very positive reviews.
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