Film Reviews

Below are a selection of reviewed movies starring the late and great. The reviews sit atop of the corresponding movie still/ photograph. There is more, continued on other pages. Though many of her films are great, I have also included any I thought mediocre or not as impressive. I hope you find them stirring, interesting or provocative enough to nudge you into wanting to see a few or just to have a good time reading about them. Peace! -Tanis

   This film costars Paul Henreid- and boy is he a bit of a cheeseball, him and a bit of the music. However if you can stand the melodrama so popular of this era in film, it's a powerful and touching role for Bette, and good film experience for you. Although it is somewhat categorized and remembered for being a romance flick, I see it as more of a journey made by one woman into the world of adulthood. Ironically, she is emotionally stimede by her bullying mother so as to be a sheltered adult ruled in guidance and oppression, much like a child within a strict household. The damaging effects this has on her we learn as she must undergo psychiatric therapy and spend time in a healing retreat. Along the way, there is romance and unlikely bonding formed but the real accomplishment is not her external prospects, rather her internal transformation. See Bette bloom in this black and white drama. Beyond the dated antics of films during this period and their large contrast to todays brand of realism, I think you'll still find that certain tangible and touching theme that hits a universal sense of belonging and human soul.   

Featuring world's worst (best- really) tantrum! "I never liked ya- whenever you used to kiss me I'd wipe my mouth---WIPE MY MOUTH!" Them's harsh words, but so firey it's as exciting as it is mean--   to be continued (I'm late to a dinner, ciao! isnt that so like me :P)

This film is truly a gem. There is a little overacting and trademark cliche film portrayal of youth demonstrated by Natalie Wood. I don't believe her later acting career is tainted by this but rather- she did as she was most likely directed and was popular to convey at that time in cinema. Anyhow, you may laugh or groan a little during these fleeting spots of mother-daughter sequence. The film and its entirity though, was truly an original and moving piece of work. It's portrayal of a reluctantly 'washed' up film star was of a sincere and penetrating caliber as that of or better than All About Eve. And you'll find that you'll hear more of the latter than comments on this film. Granted, All About Eve was a classic for which Bette was nominated an oscar, but in The Star (despite the lack-lustre title), she too was rightfully extended the same gesture. There is a scene in which she is driving under the influence, and she tours the streets and narrates the houses of great up and coming actresses. This scene is comical and charismatic in its full sequence, and followed by genuine self pity that doesn't seem to turn up the nose but rather, quiver one's lip in empathy. Watch this one folks! I dare say you will be more impressed than the lack of reviews out there for it. It is a 'must experience'. Gooday!

Old Acquaintance

Despite this film's pairing of two talented, known actresses- it goes resides at a mediocre level for me at best. Sure, it's watchable, and both give entertaining performances but one can be thrown by little grating redundances such as overuse of character names in dialogue. It's damn near distracting just how much the two women use one another's names as if constantly trying to fight off amnesia. It is said that Bette once remarked this character to be most like her- I find that hard to swallow. She is just too giving and tolerant of a clearly toxic relationship and outwardly manipulative 'best' friend. Once in the film she finally shakes her friend by the shoulders and it is then where the audience could finally take a breath of ease at all the pent up frustration it takes watching such a patient Davis. Remarkable and ambitious she might have been in life but I dare not presume the late actress's personality had much patience and verbal restraint as does her character in this film. High strung and gifted Miriam Hopkins would be better appreciated in the quick-witted and delightful film Becky Sharp in which she plays a lead and celebrated character inspired from the story of William Thackeray's Vanity Fair. Here she shines in mischievous and magnetic energy, and calls on you to laugh, gasp and follow her next move or word. In Old Acquaintance she is similar in some veins, but seems trapped in a predictable role that just further aggravates all who see her. Overall folks, the script is contrived, the concept authentic but dull, and pace is dragged down in the forseen mishaps of this duo. If you can recover from these details or appreciate the heads up, perhaps you may enjoy it better than I first did. Cheers!