Review of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) by Stephanie M — 07 Aug 2009

This really isn't a horror film in the traditional sense like so many brand it. It's more of a psychological thriller and is every bit as awesome as you think it might be. Crawford plays the "innocent victim" perfectly but it's Davis (whom I had never found particularly good in her prime interestingly enough) who really steals the show with an out there (but in a good way) performance that really just blows you away whenever watching it ("But you can't Blanche, you're stuck in the chair!" "You don't get no breakfast because you didn't eat your DIN-DIN!").

This movie is really much more character driven and deeper than most give it credit for. Worth it to see the last good performance (and movie) of Crawford's career and the first of a handful of later-in-life good parts Davis got. There's just so much going on in this little gem that it has to be seen to truly be loved. I always get something more and new out of it every time I watch it.