Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? might appear to be a film from a bygone era, yet its power to captivate audiences remains intensely strong. From the very first scene, this movie grabs your attention and refuses to let go until the final, chilling moments. Few films possess such an immediate and sustained hold. The performances are nothing short of masterful, with Bette Davis and Joan Crawford delivering iconic portrayals at the heart of this dark tale. Adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere is a perfectly crafted score, while the cinematography evokes a classic Hitchcockian sense of suspense and dread.
The narrative centers around two sisters, Blanche Hudson (Joan Crawford) and “Baby” Jane Hudson (Bette Davis), living a secluded life in a decaying Hollywood mansion. Blanche, once a successful film star, is now confined to a wheelchair due to a mysterious accident years prior. Jane, in stark contrast, was a celebrated child star, with her image plastered on dolls and adored by the public. However, adult stardom eluded her, and she now lives in the shadow of Blanche’s more recent fame, her resentment and mental state deteriorating with each passing day. Blanche is trapped upstairs, increasingly vulnerable, while Jane descends further into madness and cruelty, creating a suffocating and terrifying dynamic within their isolated world.
Bette Davis delivers a performance for the ages as Jane. While some might initially interpret her portrayal as excessive, it is in fact a deeply nuanced and powerful embodiment of madness, cruelty, and underlying sadness. Davis masterfully captures the tragic decay of a forgotten star clinging desperately to the remnants of past glory. Joan Crawford, in a role demanding quiet intensity, is equally compelling. She embodies Blanche’s timidity and fear with subtle yet impactful gestures and expressions, creating a stark contrast to Jane’s flamboyant madness. The supporting cast also shines, particularly Victor Buono as Victor Flagg, a peculiar and opportunistic pianist who enters Jane’s increasingly fractured world, adding another layer of unsettling intrigue. The film’s use of black and white cinematography is exceptional, amplifying the gothic atmosphere of the mansion and enhancing the sense of creeping dread that permeates every scene. Robert Aldrich’s direction expertly builds tension and claustrophobia, drawing the audience deeper into the sisters’ twisted relationship.
For contemporary viewers accustomed to fast-paced action and constant spectacle, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? might initially seem slow or dialogue-heavy. However, to dismiss it for these reasons would be a profound mistake. This is a film that thrives on psychological tension, masterful acting, and a slowly unfolding sense of horror. Anyone who has yet to experience this cinematic masterpiece is strongly urged to do so. It remains a truly exceptional and unforgettable film.
A definitive 5/5 stars!
