JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonWhatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962) - Trailer Included
February 20th 2008 00:01
Whatever Happened To Baby Jane
DVD Available in Australia
Disclaimer: This post may contain spoilers
In 1962 Robert Aldrich Directed what can be called, along with maybe Sunset Boulevard, the film of the year. To call Whatever Happened To Baby Jane a mammoth cinematic achievement would be only a slight understatement, for it also showcases possibly two of the greatest performances by two actresses in the 1960’s, if not ever – Joan Crawford and Bette Davis clash like titans in some of the most vicious stand offs you can imagine. Bette Davis stars as Jane Hudson, a former child star whose acting career as a grown woman has been overshadowed by her more talented and successful sister, played by a wheel chair bound Joan Crawford. In a world where great female performances are few and far between, these two fine actresses are fused with a paranoid intensity, created by Aldrich, which will cause unrestrained delight to fans of dark and macabre films or by that note those who even do not even object to it.
Bette Davis and Joan Crawford - You can just feel the love
In WEHTBJ the story takes melodrama and horror to a feverish pitch. I suppose this film is not for everyone, it certainly does not paint a pretty picture as Bette Davis’s character continues to taunt and abuse her paralysed sister. The film has unusual similarities in structure, events and character to Sunset Boulevard and while you can not help but put them side by side, they are certainly completely different animals, Baby Jane focuses specifically on the horror of the here and now, its sweaty, 'in your face' intensity and emotional violence abandons the post card quality that a lot of these type of stories invite to them.
The bitch is back
The casting is perfect as these two divas off-screen animosity runs rampant on screen, Joan Crawford’s trademark hardened facial qualities play well against her sympatheic approach to her character and Bette Davis’s famous eyes along with her over the top make up are used to create a hysterical madness as she hand in hand with Aldrich creates one of the most interesting and effective portraits of an emotionally disturbed individual.
Indeed one of Aldrich’s crowning achievements he provides all the right ingredients for a juicy and very scary character study of two woman not just pushed into madness but swimming around in it. If these sounds like your cup of tea, don’t wait another second to see it.
By John Doe Guest Writer: Shaun Katz
Warning:Clips contain Spoilers
Watch the original trailer that includes shots of Robert Aldrich Directing.
A classic scene from Whatever Happened To Baby Jane
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Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
It's a brilliant exercise in suspense, drama and macabre thrills along with Aldrich's unofficial follow up Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte.
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Great to see another fan of this one. Did you like Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte too?
Very glad my friend Shaun decided to review it as its one I've been meaning to take care of myself for sometime.
Comment by Australia 1
Five Passions - Cooking, Tennis, Taekwondo, Music and French
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Another fantastic review. This is a classic film, chilling and resounding.
Tracy
Comment by Wayne F
Bucket Movies
Good review
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Sure it's comparable to a few others, but the intensity of the relationship between these two women sets it apart. For some reason reminds me of the Wuthering Heights subplot. Lol.
Michaelie
Comment by Anonymous
Intrepid Movie Fan
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Totally agree with your expressionistic diagnosis.
I have been wanting to read "The Divine Fued" for a while now, saw a copy at Borders but didn't have the cash. The epic behind the scenes battles are indeed legendary.
Thanks for dropping in.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Thanks for the compliment but I didn't write this review. It was done by a good friend of mine Shaun. (There is a byline at the bottom)
Agree with your assessment, "Chilling and resounding"
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Go grab yourself a copy today, you will enjoy it I'm sure.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
It really is a classic motion picture with few piers, I can see where your coming from with the "Wuthering Heights" thing.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Still laughing,.....its all in the delivery
Appreciate your comment, thank you.
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
I'm betting the house and farm that anon. is my Mum--she subscribes to your blog, and we use that line all the time!!
This has got to be one of my all-time faves, one of the ones you end up buying for the home collection. Great review, Shaun K., and thanks for posting it JD.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life