She’s crazy. She’s creepy. She’s Ms. Davis in a brave, crushing, terrifying performance as a woman going from plain old mean to absolutely unhinged. She’s Ms. Davis never putting a foot wrong, scaring the hell out of us as we wonder what she’s going to do next. She’s Ms. Davis convincing us that she is capable of utterly cowing Joan Crawford, putting Ms. Crawford under her thumb and keeping her there until the bitter end.
Here’s the deal: Baby Jane Hudson was a child star on the vaudeville circuit. She always outshone her sister Blanche, the “plain one” who’d vowed to get her revenge one day. Things don’t always work out for child stars, of course, and Blanche got her revenge by growing up to become a movie star. Until one night, when a mysterious accident renders Blanche a cripple, leaving her trapped in a big old Hollywood home and subject to the tender mercies of dear old Jane. But that was years ago. Blanche and Jane have settled into a routine as invalid and caregiver. But Jane has a plan.
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? lives and dies with the performances of Bette Davis as Jane and Joan Crawford as Blanche. In an industry that values youth, both women (55 and 58, respectively) bravely allow themselves to be photographed in the most unflattering makeup, the worst lighting, the least glamorous angles. Crawford sells us on Blanche, a once-strong woman so tired of fighting that she’s on the verge of finally giving in. Davis steals the film as a woman who’s evil and insanity grows within her like a cancer. And the film itself, well, it’s a slow burn, a film that enjoys taking its time as it ratchets up tension and fear. This film knows that anticipation of fright is more delicious than fright itself, and it revels in it.
Yes, there’s a cheap twist, but don’t let that spoil things for you. See this film for Davis. Let her creep you out. Let her try to win you over, which will creep you out even more. But try not to think too hard about her. You might not get to sleep tonight.
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