A former child star torments her paraplegic sister in their decaying Hollywood mansion.
Plot Summary of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a psychological horror-thriller directed by Robert Aldrich, set in the deteriorating mansion of two former Hollywood sisters. The film follows Jane Hudson (Bette Davis), a former child star who has fallen into obscurity, and her sister Blanche (Joan Crawford), once a successful movie queen, now a wheelchair-bound invalid after a tragic car accident caused by Jane. The story revolves around their dysfunctional relationship, with Jane becoming increasingly unhinged as she cares for her sister, who is both physically and emotionally trapped.
Jane, who has always resented her sister’s superior career, torments Blanche in a cruel and unsettling way. As the tension between the two builds, Jane’s mental state deteriorates, leading to dangerous and horrific consequences. The film combines elements of horror and drama, exploring themes of jealousy, sibling rivalry, mental instability, and the consequences of past actions.
Themes and Analysis
- Jealousy and Rivalry: At its core, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is about the destructive power of jealousy. Jane’s resentment toward Blanche, who has outshone her in Hollywood, drives much of the tension. This theme is explored in a deeply psychological manner, where Jane’s obsession with her sister’s success turns into a twisted need for revenge.
- Mental Illness and Obsession: Jane’s psychological unraveling is one of the film’s most compelling elements. Her actions become more erratic as she fixes herself in the past, unable to cope with her own failures. The film effectively shows how mental illness can distort a person’s perception of reality, leading to destructive behavior.
- Isolation and Decay: The setting of the decaying mansion reflects the characters’ psychological and physical decline. The mansion symbolizes their isolation from the world and their descent into madness. The physical decay mirrors the emotional and psychological destruction the sisters face.
- The Dark Side of Fame: The film critiques the fleeting nature of fame, showing how the once-celebrated sisters are now shadows of their former selves. The contrast between their glamorous past and their present misery highlights the emptiness of Hollywood’s promises and the personal toll of celebrity.
10 Reasons to Watch What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
- Bette Davis’ Iconic Performance: Davis delivers a career-defining role as the disturbed Jane Hudson. Her portrayal of a once-glamorous star gone mad is chilling and unforgettable.
- Joan Crawford’s Subtlety: Crawford’s Blanche is a more understated but equally impressive performance, capturing the vulnerability and suffering of a once-proud woman reduced to a fragile existence.
- Atmosphere and Suspense: The film creates a tense, oppressive atmosphere through its setting, music, and cinematography, making it an effective psychological thriller.
- Themes of Female Rivalry: The exploration of sisterly competition and jealousy offers a fascinating and dark take on relationships, particularly among women in the entertainment industry.
- Psychological Horror: Rather than relying on traditional horror tropes, the film’s terror comes from the emotional and mental unraveling of its characters, making it a more psychologically intense experience.
- Memorable Dialogue: The film is filled with quotable lines, particularly from Davis, whose delivery adds to the horror of her character’s breakdown.
- Oscar-Nominated Performances: Both Davis and Victor Buono, who plays a pivotal character in the film, received critical acclaim for their roles, with Davis earning an Academy Award nomination.
- Unpredictable Plot Twists: The movie’s plot is full of suspenseful and unexpected turns, which keeps the audience on edge throughout.
- Cultural Significance: The film is a landmark in the psychological horror genre and remains influential, especially in its portrayal of aging actresses and the darker sides of fame.
- A Timeless Classic: Even after decades, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? remains an iconic piece of cinema, offering a fascinating glimpse into the fraught world of old Hollywood and the emotional complexities of sibling dynamics.
What You Will Feel After Watching
After watching What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, you’ll likely experience a mixture of unease, admiration for the performances, and perhaps a sense of discomfort at the extremes of human behavior. The film’s slow burn and disturbing portrayal of sibling rivalry and madness create a lingering tension long after the credits roll. The horror is psychological rather than supernatural, and the character study of Jane will leave you contemplating the destructive power of envy and the human cost of fame. Ultimately, it’s a film that will evoke a deep emotional response, both for its unsettling subject matter and its haunting performances
