1/14/2024 0 Comments Gaslight film ingrid bergmanWhen Paula confirms his suspicions, and indicates that she may marry the gentleman in question, Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer), she is released from her studies. Over the past few weeks, however, her attention has not been on her craft, and her wily mentor remarks that he believes that she's in love. We are introduced to Paula, a young English singer living and studying in Italy during the latter half of the nineteenth century. The first half-hour of Gaslight is deceptively romantic. Bergman, essaying a much different character from either of her last two roles (Maria in 1943's For Whom the Bell Tolls and Ilsa in 1942's Casablanca), is alluring and convincing as a woman held captive by her own fears. Toward the climax, a sensationally moving revelation turns up, concerning a missing white glove (one of the film’s greatest moments), as well as the wrapping up of loose ends, culminating in a spectacularly exciting showdown.Ingrid Bergman won her first Oscar for portraying Paula Alquist, the vulnerable, insecure heroine of George Cukor's diabolical, atmospheric thriller, Gaslight. Paula’s sense of helplessness is key, as she’s isolated or alienated from friends and family – and from anyone who can help her to overcome her oppression. Nevertheless, the lengthy sessions of worrying over Paula’s wellbeing certainly cultivate angst and tension (nicely supplemented by Bronislau Kaper’s score), allowing the villainy to remain more potent – right alongside the heroism. Gregory’s manner and maneuvering is odd enough that the mystery of Paula’s deteriorating mental faculties isn’t all that bewildering as the picture draws to its conclusion, it becomes merely an instance of sorting out motives. His involvement is quite by accident, yet it’s essential to provide relief from the protracted torment. Soon, fear drives their relationship, aiding to quash any brewing distrust.įortunately, there’s a hero amidst Paula’s plight, in the form of the police commissioner’s assistant, Brian Cameron (Joseph Cotten). Tempers flare and mental defenses are torn down as Gregory makes scene after scene to fray Paula’s nerves. In many ways, it possesses a Hitchcockian flavor, exploiting the weak-willed to aggravate the audience in a series of noirish, nerve-wracking confrontations. If it weren’t for the exaggerations and coincidences, it would surely serve as a realistic cautionary tale about rushing into romance (or perhaps in doubting one’s own convictions). “Are you becoming suspicious as well as absentminded, Paula?”īased on the Patrick Hamilton play, “Gaslight” is a masterpiece of deception and manipulation. Through careful, repetitive conditioning, Paula soon loses her identity she’s completely at the mercy of her husband to tell her how to behave and how to feel. From cook Elizabeth (Barbara Everest) to housemaid Nancy (Angela Lansbury), Paula doesn’t get to create much of an impression Gregory dictates not only her actions but also her likes and dislikes. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be so violent.” As with many great thrillers, the facade of new love swiftly fades, revealing the cold truth of the matter: Paula knows almost nothing about her husband and he designs to control every aspect of her life. With her new husband, she’s certain she won’t be afraid to revisit the macabre location – and so, a month later, the two move in, intending to live happily ever after. In an extreme coincidence, Gregory wishes to live in that very home, which Paula still owns. “I’m afraid I enjoy a good murder now and then.” Thwaites is fascinated by the unsolved slaying, which amuses her further when she happens to acquire a residence near where the crime occurred: 9 Thornton Square in London. But, much to her surprise, Gregory greets Paula at the lake, having rushed ahead to join her. During the carriage ride there, she meets “Bloodthirsty” Bessie Thwaites (Dame May Whitty), who brings up the death of Alice from a decade prior, momentarily jolting Paula into silence. Still madly in love, Paula decides to take a trip to Lake Como to clear her mind. Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer) is the charming suitor, who barely knows Paula (his courting has only lasted about two weeks), though he’s ready to get married. It’s a distraction that should help her to forget the horrible past.Īround ten years later, Paula’s voice and her heart just don’t seem to be focused on performing instead, she’s diverted by true love, prompting her to give up a career in the arts in favor of happiness. The victim was Alice Alquist, a world famous singer – and her niece, Paula Alquist (Ingrid Bergman), departs shortly thereafter, heading off to Italy to study singing under the great Maestro Guardi (Emil Rameau). Strangler is still at large near Thornton Square, making the townsfolk edgy, particularly at night.
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