![]() ![]() Gaslight is a Gothic mystery, blending romance, terror, and a potent atmosphere cultivated in no small measure by the locale and its architecture. MGM’s 1944 production of Gaslight, directed by George Cukor, is based upon a 1938 play (by Patrick Hamilton) and a 1940 British film of the same name (directed by Thorold Dickinson). I’m pleased to say the film is far richer than I expected and worthy of renewed attention on its own merits. I was drawn to Gaslight not only to better understand the origins of the expression, but also because it features Ingrid Bergman, one of my favourite classical Hollywood actresses, in a performance that won her her first Best Actress Oscar. In this sense, liberals said Trump gaslit his supporters, and conservatives complain that the mainstream media gaslights citizens. ![]() Although use of the term has its origins in pop psychology and feminist criticism, more recently, the term is widely deployed by both the contemporary Left and Right, especially in the context of US politics, as an accusation of the psychological manipulation of a targeted populace. Over the years, but especially over the past six or seven, the term “gaslighting” has come to be used colloquially to describe a pattern of psychological manipulation and torment, in which someone makes someone else feel like they are going crazy, such as a cruel, controlling husband driving his wife to question her reality and thereby keep her vulnerable. "Gaslight" is an excellent way to spend the time in the company of Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer, thanks to the detailed production directed by George Cukor.Gaslight is an important film that’s probably less seen than you’d think given the popularity of the expression the title spawned. Dame May Witty is about the sunniest one in this film. His American accent ruins his appearance and we don't believe in him. Joseph Cotten, on the other hand, seems to be out of character as Brian Cameron. The other supporting characters are well performed, especially by a young and interesting Angela Lansbury, who plays the parlor maid, Nancy. Gregory Anton offered the actor one of his best characters. Gregory is an evil man who will go to great lengths to get what he wants. Charles Boyer also makes a great Gregory Anton, a man who is duplicitous and sly, with a hidden agenda to get whatever he can out of poor Paula. There's not a thing wrong with her performance. She conveys all the emotions convincingly. Bergman's eyes and we know what's going on in her mind. She is seen as a young girl at the beginning of the film, then as a blossoming beautiful woman and at the end she is transformed into a person afraid of her own shadow. Ingrid Bergman, who makes a magnificent Paula, was born to play this troubled woman. Whatever Gregory has done, succeeded in giving Paula a deep sense of insecurity and fear. It's through this man's intervention that Paula is able to see all that has been inflicted upon her. A young man living near the Antons, Brian Cameron, takes an interest in what he sees is definitively wrong with the woman at No. ![]() The key seems to be hidden in the attic where all the things that belonged to the late diva has been stored. Little by little we watch as Gregory, now in charge of the household, begins to terrorize his wife. Paula, alas, is not too happy because of her traumatic experience there. They prepare to return to London and live in the house at Thornton Square. The young pianist, Greorgy Anton, who is seen at Maestro Gardi's home, seems to be in love with Paula she, in turn, has fallen in love with this much older figure. The idea was for her to follow her aunt, the murdered diva's footsteps, but just listening to the young woman sing, one realizes opera is not going to gain a new star. Paula, is being sent away to Italy to recuperate from the tragedy she has just witnessed. A murder of a famous opera singer has been committed. 9 Thornton Square, at the start of the film. Thanks to the magnificent black and white cinematography by Joseph Ruttengerg and the musical score by Bronislau Kaper, the film ultimately rewards the viewer. Cukor assembled to portray these characters. Hamilton's play, although in our humble opinion, it is much better than the previous account, in part helped by the great cast that Mr. The film has always been a favorite of classic movie fans all over the world because it holds the viewer interested in watching the psychological drama with echoes of Gothic overtones, unfold on the screen. ![]() This atmospheric account about a woman being driven out of her mind, was directed by George Cukor. Patrick Hamilton's "Angel Street", an American stage classic, was turned into "Gaslight" in 1944. ![]()
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