Review of Gaslight (1944) by Leighton T — 01 Oct 2009
An impressive old school psychological thriller that lives on its star Bergman and Cuckor's great direction. What I loved besides Bergman's terrific performance is the murkiness that London is treated with and I do not know if that was intentional, but not only is it true to life with London, but it provides a psychological view to how Paula might view life on the outside (on the inside) too, as her husband Anton convinces her of her insanity.
Boyer and Cotten give fine performances, ones that fit well within the film, but it is Bergman who gives a performances that stands above the genre film which she is making. You feel what she feels, you go crazy with her, struggle when something is lost, or when she feels like she cannot remember something. The script is well done here too, providing us a sympathy outlet, but it is Bergman who takes it much beyond that and crafts a superb, multi-layered performance.
As well, it is nice to see Angela Lansbury in one of her first screen roles.
This review of Gaslight (1944) was written by Leighton T on 01 Oct 2009.
Gaslight has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
