A smoky room. Drinks litter the atmosphere. Intoxicated men spit insipid conversation at heavily made–up women. They have high hopes of getting some (thing). A woman sees that gal she knew once, and a passive–aggressive battle of jealousy plays out before an audience of amused and bewildered spectators. “I thought they were friends! What bitches,” an onlooker comments.
This is not actually a recap of what happened at Copa this weekend (though that’s a good story too). It’s just one of the many settings for the 1950 film with the most Oscar nominations (Count ‘em, 14) in film history, “All About Eve.” In a role that saved her career, Bette Davis plays Margo Channing, a seasoned actress whose reign as the queen of the theatre is usurped by Channing’s fawning fan, the seemingly humble, but secretly little bitch–of–a–thing, Eve Harrington. However, this Classic of the Week is actually not all about her—never trust a label.
Instead, this film offers a pointed critique on something we Quakers take for granted: the frenemy. "Eve" is an unflinching meditation on the environments that breed a culture of competition, manipulation and facade—all for the sake of a successful career. Unfortunately, Huntsman wasn’t available for on–location shooting in 1950.
Never fear, though! There’s nothing “All About Eve” can say about competitive career–seekers that an Ivy League student doesn’t already know. You may know one, you may be one, you may fear one; regardless, Eves abound on Penn’s campus, in their khakis and pant–suits, each ready and raring to get to the top without much concern for the other guy. Perhaps Margo is more identifiable as that one guy who still thinks being high school valedictorian means he’s the smartest jerk in the room. The director, Joseph Mankiewicz, also described Margo as “treating a mink like a poncho”—otherwise known as that girl walking down Locust.
Even if you can’t relate to any of the above (liar), the film has even more to offer.
Maybe you’ve read one of those articles about how women in the film and television industries are shit out of luck for good roles, especially if they’re not as hot as someone like Marilyn Monroe. Look no further than this depiction of powerful females outwitting and maneuvering around the men that play only supporting roles in their lives. Female engineers–about–Towne will find solace in the ways Bette Davis dominates a field otherwise run by men, both with and without the context of the film. Fun fact: Davis was the first female president of the prestigious Academy that will be handing out those little gold men in a few weeks. Rejoice in this film that passes the Bechdel test despite its emergence from an era known for its images of women vacuuming in pearls.
As an added bonus, here you'll find Marilyn Monroe, lovely as ever, in her first attention–grabbing role. Hubba hubba.
If none of that is satisfying, be left with the film’s most iconic piece of advice:
“Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.”
Sounds like prep for the weekend to me.
Find "All About Eve" for ~FREE~ at Van Pelt.
