Gaslight (1944) - A Movie Review

Fight for your mind. Don’t let anyone talk you down.

Gaslight is a 1944 film. A newly married couple moves into the home of her late aunt who was murdered in the house ten years prior. So he can invest in her possessions, Gregory gaslights Paula driving her to question her surroundings and the people around her.

Watching Gaslight made me realize that I need to start watching more older movies. Gaslight compromises a serious matter concerning toxic relationships. If you notice something peculiar about your relationship or anybody else’s, don’t be afraid to take action.

Ingrid Bergman was captivating in her performance. Endlessly talked down to and blamed for situations that she did not do, you feel worn out like Paula. Bergman bore noteworthy expressions, studying the situation closely. In preparation for her role, Bergman studied patients at a mental hospital to accommodate a genuine take of a nervous breakdown.

Gregory is a cruel man who finds delight in torturing his wife. In contrast to his character, Charles Boyer was a kind man off-camera. During filming, he became a father to his first child. Reportedly, Boyer called his wife at any chance between takes to ensure she was okay.

The actor's relationship off-camera was much friendlier. In fact, a humorous event occurred. Bergman and Boyer were the same height. As to make Boyer appear taller, he wore two-inch heels or he’d stand on a box, which inadvertently got kicked away in some scenes.

The ensemble for Gaslight was great. My one complaint is that supporting characters were not used to their fullest potential disappearing in the story until reappearing at the end.

Gaslight was the debut of the late Angela Lansbury. I was surprised to learn that the late Lansbury turned 18 during filming! I liked her performance as an absent-minded maid who still had a sharp eye. As one of the maids, she doesn’t get as much screen time, leaving a portion of the story, returning by the climax.

To alleviate viewers from the tension, there are comical moments. I got a kick out of May Whitty. She added humor to the story. Eavesdropping on every situation, Miss Thwaites always has to chant her opinion.

Brian (Joseph Cotton) is the best example that not all heroes wear capes. It’s sad, but all relationships are like fairytale stories. Keeping a close eye on the situation, he arrives at Paula’s aid to make sense of her situation.

George Cukor not only constructed camera motions to weigh in on objects and facial reactions, but he proudly demonstrated how to watch out for red flags in relationships. I appreciate Cukor so much for doing this.

In contrast to the dark tone of the film, Cukor kept the set fun. He halted filming for an entire day when Boyer’s son was born and had the entire cast celebrate Lansbury’s birthday. Everybody got along during filming.

Not only did Bergman win an award for Best Actress, but Gaslight also won an award for set construction. Furnished with lavish items, lighting plays an effect on each room, notably the attic. Whenever the camera focuses on the long-ended staircase, it was an excellent representation of how one feels out of control.

For anybody who doesn’t know what the term gaslighting means, it is a form of manipulation. Considered as psychological abuse, be aware of how someone treats a person or even you. Don’t let anyone talk down to you.

Hear me out, don’t ignore Gaslight because it’s an older movie. It’s a dramatic film with intricate filmmaking.