Review of Gaslight (1944) by Christina C — 12 Apr 2008

A really enjoyable and atmospheric psychological thriller. Apparently the term "to gaslight" someone has come into usage since this film - as Joseph Cotten's character puts it, this is the process of systematically driving someone out of their mind.

Ingrid Bergman shines, as ever, as the sweet and vulnerable Paula, traumatised by finding her aunt's murdered body in the stuffy Victorian house she used to live in. She falls in love with her piano instructor, who encourages her to return to the house, but then their relationship sours.

Charles Boyer's performance as Gregory doesn't leave us much doubt as to his evilness, but he isn't visibly unmasked as the baddie till quite late in, to show us Paula's perspective as she is slowly tricked and bullied into thinking she's going mad.

Some have called this film misogynist, but I disagree ... for one, it's set in Victorian times and wives really would be under the power of their husbands. Paula's character is anyway just meant to be young and intrinsically artless - and despite his evil!expression, Gregory's tactics are really cleverly judged.

The decor is wonderfully atmospheric, making the house seem as stifling as possible, and the actors all give classy performances - Joseph Cotten is his usual combination of debonair and down-to-earth, Dame May Whitty provides comic relief and Angela Lansbury has a truly memorable movie debut.

Really recommended for a good night in, especially if it's foggy outside!