Vital stats:
Director: Joseph L. Makiewicz. Language: English. Review on: First viewing (at home).
I decided to check this out because it's known as a landmark film in the art of screen-acting, as well as a codifier of cinematic camp and queer subtext, and it really is a stellar example of all three and well worth a look! Looks absolutely gorgeous, with lighting used really well to make characters sparkle or sink into shadow depending on the mood of the scene. A very young Marilyn Monroe cameos, too!
Is it good?
It’s very well-woven, and every shot is beautifully composed. You can, however, really tell what a transitional period screen acting was in–half the cast are performing in stiff, heightened stage acting that works when you want to be seen and understood from the back row but doesn’t scan so well in a camera closeup, while Bette Davis is acting rings around everyone in a more natural style. She’s absolutely enthralling to watch.
Is it fun?
Not really–almost everyone here is suffering a slow-motion train wreck except arguably Addison DeWitt. Margo and Bill pull out of it by the end, at least, but a lot of it’s tense and unpleasant as Eve starts unravelling everyone around her while pretending to be sweet and innocent.
Is it queer?
We’re talking about the Hayes Code era, so no, but the undertones with Eve towards Margo and that one random neighbour lady are worth talking about, although Vivian Dunn does that better than I could. Definitely falls under Evil Lesbianism, though, if it is there.