Absolutely blew my mind.
Literally the origin of the term "gaslighting" this movie dives into an emotionally abusive and manipulative relationship, from the victim's perspective.
George Cukor has a way of directing female characters without overtly sexualizing or undermining their motives, which feels so fresh when returning to Hollywood classics. Of the white men directing and writing in old Hollywood, he tended to allow his female characters more autonomy, and the ability to not be defined by the men around them.
Ingrid Bergman elevates what could have been a hokey concept to new heights by highlighting the character's emotional burden, grappling with the love and fear she has for her husband. Charles Boyer plays opposite her as firm but vacant of conspicuous emotions, allowing you to project what you want on the character and boosting the suspense.
It is both a fun thriller and a story which highlights the depths of emotional abuse; something that was running rampant in Hollywood and the country at large at the time. The fear of entering an emotionally manipulative relationship is very real, and doesn't feel as distant as some of the film-noir plot lines, for instance.
A great concept that was masterfully executed, I'm all around floored.
Absolutely blew my mind.
Literally the origin of the term "gaslighting" this movie dives into an emotionally abusive and manipulative relationship, from the victim's perspective.
George Cukor has a way of directing female characters without overtly sexualizing or undermining their motives, which feels so fresh when returning to Hollywood classics. Of the white men directing and writing in old Hollywood, he tended to allow his female characters more autonomy, and the ability to not be defined by the men around them.
Ingrid Bergman elevates what could have been a hokey concept to new heights by highlighting the character's emotional burden, grappling with the love and fear she has for her husband. Charles Boyer plays opposite her as firm but vacant of conspicuous emotions, allowing you to project what you want on the character and boosting the suspense.
It is both a fun thriller and a story which highlights the depths of emotional abuse; something that was running rampant in Hollywood and the country at large at the time. The fear of entering an emotionally manipulative relationship is very real, and doesn't feel as distant as some of the film-noir plot lines, for instance.
A great concept that was masterfully executed, I'm all around floored.
