Gaslight - Ingrid Bergman [DVD] [1944]

The heavy hand of Hollywood is responsible for the hyped-up Victorian mis en scene and thin characterisation of the victim (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband/abuser (Charles Boyer). The unlikely narrative comes from the original novel which had already spawned a less distinguished movie released in 1940.The plot is now well known and the issues of male dominance and female compliance fit nicely into contemporary #MeToo memes, which may account for the 2022 film version's arrival.Bergman is as photogenic and vulnerable as ever, but it's hard to feel much sympathy for her demise as she starts the narrative in a floopy condition which doesn't leave her far to fall as hubby works on her sanity whilst searching the attic for precious gems he seems to value above their monetary worth.Joseph Cotten, does a nice impersonation of a private dick who somehow finds himself working as No. Two at Scotland Yard. Meanwhile, the ubiquitous Angela Lansbury, is the snooty maid, in her first movie role.Not withstanding the Hollywoodness of it all, the pace is so lethargic there's ample time to fix a drink and a sandwich without missing out on the plot. It's as if the gas used to light the townhouse and streets has somehow affected everyone's ability to move with any urgency and vigour.

Worth watching however I prefer the original 1940 version to this

This 1944 remake of Gaslight is undeniably great cinema, although how Bergman stole the Oscar from Barbara Stanwyck's performance in Double Indemnity that year is a mystery.It gives the full Hollywood treatment to the already successful story, previously translated from Patrick Hamilton's stage play in 1940 in a much lower budget but more tightly dramatic British film.MGM famously bought that earlier film along with the remake rights, and attempted to destroy every copy. The fact that they didn't succeed in this, and that the earlier film is now once more available for comparison, explains why they saw it as a potential threat to their own success.In adding layers of gloss in the Oscar winning production design, they strip away much of the grim reality of the subject, which went on to give its name to this particular form of psycological abuse. The adaptation too seems to feel the need to prop the screenplay up with additional threads of narrative and back-story, as though they don't trust the viewer to buy into the central plot without extra frills.For all this, Cukor's Gaslight is a classic piece of cinema. Bergman certainly steals the screen, and if Charles Boyer never quite matches Anton Walbrook's menace as her tormentor, he does give value for money.Is Gaslight about a romance that goes tragically wrong, or is it about a manipulative sociopath who deliberately sets out to destroy the woman he claims to love? Better to watch both 1940 and 1944 versions and decide for yourself...

Now we see where the term "gaslighting" hails from. Gripping stuff!

Scary coerive relationship

Great film!

Superb film. Educational and eye opening as to how the term to “Gaslight” someone came about. Charles Boyer is on captivating form in what I consider to be his best role. A must watch for psychology students! It’s a far superior version to the earlier 1940 release.

I bought it because I have an audition to play Mr Manningham. Just wanted to hear other people’s intonation. All good, thank you.