All About Eve (1950) Film Review: A spectacular showcasing of razor-sharp screenwriting and stellar performances

---

Based on the 1946 short story (and subsequent 1949 radio drama) The Wisdom of Eve by Mary Orr, All About Eve (1950) is an American showbiz drama, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.

The film stars Bette Davis as Margo Channing, a highly regarded, ageing Broadway star, and Anne Baxter as the titular Eve Harrington, a seemingly timid, yet ambitious and ruthless young fan who insinuates herself into the lives of her idol and a circle of theatre friends.

The movie was a huge critical success at the time, receiving a whopping fourteen Oscar nominations and breaking records by becoming the only film in history to receive four female acting award nods. It went on to win six Oscars, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Mankiewicz, and Best Picture for producer Darryl F. Zanuck.

The film focuses on the rivalry between an ageing Broadway star and a young fan, who fancies the lavish lifestyle of glamour and fame that comes from being a prolific public figure

The movie opens with an award ceremony showcasing an up-and-coming young actress, Eve, receiving an accolade for a recent performance. This prestigious event also bookends the narrative, with the middle act presenting the dark, twisted tale of how this apparently innocent face actually harbours a savage, malicious personality that aches for the fame and glamour of a theatre star. Narration is also implemented to provide useful background information and further the story along.

Even today, the film is still regarded highly by critics and academics, and there are several factors that contribute to this enduring reputation among other Golden Age productions. The film bolsters one of the finest screenplays to have been written for the silver screen, utilising a sharp script with energetic dialogue and involving a cynical, biting social commentary on the often unseen, treacherous side of show business and the difficulties that come from attempting to climb the social ladder.

The sensational script is overbrimming with wit and intelligence, allowing the performers to showcase some of their career-best work and effectively bring to life these well-realised, three-dimensional characters. Despite being released over seventy years ago, the film has aged gracefully, feeling distinctly modern in its daring, fresh approach to explore and expose the less flattering side of the theatre, and to some extent, the film industry.

Scene stealer Bette Davis' Margo Channing refuses to be overshadowed so easily by her young protégé and effortlessly commands the stage

It also exists as a great Feminist piece years before the movement was even properly acknowledged, by focusing on two powerful female leads who can confidently assert themselves in a male-dominated society. There are plenty of memorable, standout sequences layered throughout, bristling with infectious charm and exquisite pacing as these glamorous actors and actresses engage in playful banter and thoughtful conversations behind the scenes. Margo Channing's steadily growing suspicions and irritations towards Eve spark some of the most entertaining moments of the film.

The glorious Bette Davis simply dazzles in every one of her scenes, immediately drawing the viewer's eye with her striking features and bold body language. Anne Baxter is also truly mesmerising as Eve, believably embodying a shy, hard-working dreamer, only to then masterfully demonstrate her true colours with vicious, vindictive line deliveries providing a stark contrast to what we have seen before.

The relationships between the characters are so tightly written and intricately put together, leading to fascinating power dynamics between some of the bolder personalities and making for incredibly cathartic, satisfying eventual payoffs.

The film's staggering greatness and timeless reverence also arise from its profound commentary, which remains relevant to this day. It carefully explores the consequences of ruthless ambition, envy between older and younger generations, ageing, as well as unhealthy obsessions. In the beginning, there is a magnetic attraction between the two leading ladies, which arguably borders on the LGBTQ+ side, admirably acting as another empowering element for all women, especially for the decade the movie was released in.

The elegant Eve (Anne Baxter) gracefully delivers an acceptance speech, thanking those who helped her achieve her elite social status in the world of theatre

Although, the presence of Eve Harrington almost exists as a clear warning sign to those who hope to make a name for themselves in the entertainment business, acting as a cautionary tale to lessen the weight of one's selfish, egotistical nature.

One of the only small criticisms directed at the film regards its arguably overindulgent runtime. The narrative does sometimes feel a tad bloated and may have benefited from cutting out a few scenes just to tighten the final edit and better emphasise its impact.

Despite this, All About Eve has proudly stood the test of time as an absolute classic of Hollywood's golden era. Featuring one of the best screenplays to ever grace our screens, impeccable enduring performances all around, and a thoroughly explored thematic commentary - everyone must see this delightful picture at least once in their lifetime.

Check out the trailer for All About Eve (1950) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!