A Little Bit 'Bout Bette

   Who is Bette Davis and why should you care? Well I can only give you my perspective, your own you will decide. There are many reasons to appreciate someone. In this website I share with you mine.

   I chose a film star for film is one of my favourite interests to celebrate. The industry is so rich with ideas and artistry that it blows the mind. That added element of human vulnerability and creative participation make it easy for an audience to fall bewitched by it. The gifts of great performers who serve justice to the work of talented writers, often stay with us after their scene is done. 

     To single out one person and trade is quite a thing, and being a fan of the arts I have scores of others whom I respect for their talents and involvement and who many of which shall remain unmentioned. When it comes to acting in film as opposed to theatre performance, a hands down favourite of mine is Meryl Streep. It should come as no surprise, for ironically, she is a recipient of the Bette Davis Achievement Award. There are indeed many artists to value from all mediums, but these two are but a few of my favourite in film. Who are yours? 

   It can be difficult to articulate just how these women shine, but I assure you, at least for now where Bette Davis is concerned, I will attempt it. At this time, I'll be giving her my salute and focus. I hope I succeed a little in kindling an old fire in you and that you choose to give her a thought or two, letting her into your heart and home once again.

   Give me that black and white, onscreen delight- lights, camera, action! Take one: Bette Davis... 

   In all truth, Davis was one of the most celebrated veteran actors of the 20th century and is acclaimed historically as such in the 21st century. Being a woman- she paid a high price for that luxury and recognition. This is not just my opinion; I dare to profess it as-- fact. If one looks at all the scattered evidence of her legacy, checking various generations survived, and the era in which she lived... I'm confident you'll come to the same conclusion.

   Ms. Davis was arguably- one of the world's first onscreen feminists. Consider that a time where women were of tightly prescribed roles of devotion and submission, that Ms. Davis became the antidote. In 1934, still at the beginning of her career, and virtually unnoticed, she demonstrated one of the most memorable onscreen displays of human tantrums I have seen. The movie was Of Human Bondage, adapted from author Somerset Maughem novel. In this scene, she is a character who responds defensively to the rejection of her lover. "...Whenever you used to kiss me, I used to wipe my mouth. WIPE MY MOUTH!" Further exploring of this site will show you both a picture and review from this film.  

   Now when I say the word feminist, there is no need to duck and cover. Depending on a proper represention, it can be a most honourable and appealing attribute to a person and for a society. It is a concept that is demonstrated in countless ways and significant in every. There are many definitions, but perhaps it can be generalized for now as the empowerment of women in every avenue that is allotted man, where physically and intellectually possible. In my opinion, since no one has sprouted from the ground at birth, we all owe something to womanhood, and so along with respect and acceptance, we should all be feminists in theory. There are over 12 different classifications as available according to the esteemed internet tool wikipedia, so dissolve the image I implore you, of women waving sticks and bashing men.

   The very unlikely and amazing passion at which she threw herself into her work as most would say- a purest, is something to be marvelled. Gender certainly did not hold her back in her aims, whether she shouted at the rooftops or just privately debated with Warner Brothers for opportunities she believed she was worth a shot at. Allow me to quote her for a moment on this:

   "My passions were all gathered together like fingers that made a fist. Drive is considered aggression today; I knew it then as purpose." -Bette Davis

   This quote is public domain as you would see if you were to seek out quotes of hers in many other pages on the internet-- however, it is also precious to realize when examining the artist in her own words, that she is one to play devil's advocate to the norm, to critique it both defensively and offensively, to ponder it and to find the parody in it. She was not an easy one to peg, but the patterns of her demeanor and speech indicate, intelligence and someone just like the rest of us -looking to find the answers to life while doing one's best to live it. Unlike ourselves, she had to live it under what she refers to as the 'slime light'. All the more reason to conclude that some of the outrageous or contradictory things she has been known to say to public sources may very well have been a crafted tactic of playing the character that some people expected, while keeping her true and more private opinions to herself. Consider this other quote:

"I was taught not to wear my heart on my sleeve, to keep a stiff upper lip, all that sort of thing... I've always been put off by people who want a shortcut to knowing you. Questions and answers, rather than conversation. That makes me peevish. I detest it."

   She was successful, and I'm sure she made the same mistakes disguised behind good intentions, desire, and faulty awareness that any one human does. In Bette's case, she seems to have had the mixed blessing of being aware of her faults to a degree, and her audience's perceptions as polluted by portraits from reporters and the disillusionment or grandiose praise and expectation that her intriguing talent and character roles commanded. She became what we all wanted from her and yet would not comprimise her own convictions, insecurities and beliefs. I think that admirable on some measure. Live for yourself and make your mark, learn from mistakes as you go, and keep on doing what it is you excell at, what gives you the most meaning. Don't comprimise yourself, but learn to adapt and aspire to evolve!

   She seemed to use all that self awareness and give a voice to it, perhaps in a helpless or at times deliberate manner of playfulness or sassy satire and sarcasm. She decided on a fearless and direct sort of approach in addressing the streams of questions and demands the public had of her. Her sharp wit had a good many thinking "That funny lady, she is something else."  And yet, she was both a paid entertainer and a human being. To recognize one aspect and not another would render her quite misunderstood and most incomplete. Her words describing work ethic seem to reveal a depth in her nature:

   "The money is the gravy. As everyone else, I love to dunk my crust in it. But alone, it is not a diet designed to keep body and soul together."

   "I am doomed to an eternity of compulsive work. No set goal achieved satisfies. Success only breeds a new goal. The golden apple devoured has seeds. It is endless."

   "To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, to be given a chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life."
                                                                         

   All these quotes and still more out there- some worth remembering, some just obvious retorts and sarcastic humour, fleeting comments or even script pieces taken out of context and put out to delight the hunger of the masses. Hence, attempting to know someone from what they say or apparently have said is not wise entirely- but rather to settle on a balance, from what can be obtained: on the work they've done, a consistency in sources for when they're quoted, biographies to learn of their experience and heritage, and the inarguable, inspiring achievements they sought out to accomplish. Ms. Davis sought, and we many of us still remember.

Thanks for visiting and for your eyes and ears- have a most pleasant day out in the world!  your webpage editor, Tanis:)