What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

 What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Synopsis:

*What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?* is a psychological horror thriller centered on the dysfunctional relationship between two aging sisters, Jane and Blanche Hudson, both former stars in show business. Jane, a former child star, is now mentally unstable and holds a deep resentment toward Blanche, who was once a successful actress before a mysterious car accident left her paralyzed. The film follows Jane's increasingly erratic behavior as she holds Blanche captive in their decaying Hollywood mansion, leading to shocking and chilling outcomes.

Notable Actors:

- **Bette Davis** as Baby Jane Hudson

- **Joan Crawford** as Blanche Hudson

- **Victor Buono** as Edwin Flagg

- **Maidie Norman** as Elvira Stitt

Trivia:

- The real-life rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford added a layer of tension to their performances. Their feud became one of Hollywood's most infamous off-screen dramas.

- Bette Davis was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Jane Hudson. The makeup for her character was deliberately grotesque, with Davis insisting on applying the makeup herself to create an unsettling, decaying look for Jane.

- The film revitalized both actresses' careers and is considered a landmark in the "Grande Dame Guignol" subgenre, where older actresses play roles in psychological horror films.

- Victor Buono, who played Edwin Flagg, was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Director:

- **Robert Aldrich**, known for his work in various genres, including westerns, war films, and thrillers. His direction of *What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?* is one of his most acclaimed projects, cementing his legacy in the psychological horror genre.

Rating: 

4.5/5 stars

    *What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?* is indeed a classic of psychological horror, and this is largely due to its skillful blending of psychological tension, eerie atmosphere, and unforgettable performances by Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The film thrives on the tension between the two sisters, both victims of their own insecurities and long-standing grudges. The decaying mansion they live in becomes a metaphor for their crumbling mental states, especially Jane's, whose behavior spirals further into madness as the story progresses.

The horror in *Baby Jane* is not based on gore or jump scares but rather on the deeply unsettling psychological torment Jane inflicts on Blanche. Jane’s grotesque appearance—her garish makeup, doll-like outfits, and erratic behavior—mirrors the decay of her mind. The film's atmosphere of dread builds gradually, as Jane's actions become more disturbing, trapping both Blanche and the audience in a claustrophobic nightmare. The sight of Jane serving Blanche a "special meal" of dead pets or performing a grotesque vaudeville routine adds a layer of dark, twisted humor that only heightens the sense of unease.

At its core, the movie is a character study of two women grappling with lost fame, envy, and bitterness. Jane's inability to let go of her past glory leads her to resent Blanche, who once eclipsed her as an actress, while Blanche, immobilized and vulnerable, becomes a tragic figure whose guilt and passivity render her powerless against her sister’s cruelty.

The performances of Davis and Crawford are central to the film’s lasting impact. Davis, in particular, delivers a fearless portrayal of Jane, embracing the character's grotesqueness and instability, while Crawford plays Blanche with a subtle dignity that contrasts with Jane's mania. The tension between the two actresses in real life infuses their scenes with a raw energy that makes their interactions all the more intense and uncomfortable.

The film's sense of "decay" extends beyond just Jane’s mental state and physical appearance. The mansion they live in is a crumbling relic of Hollywood's golden age, much like the sisters themselves. This physical and emotional decay creates a haunting backdrop for the unraveling of Jane’s fragile psyche, making the house feel as though it, too, is a living part of their tragic downfall.

In the tradition of psychological horror, *What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?* stands out for its emphasis on the internal horrors of guilt, jealousy, and the passage of time, making it a deeply unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The film’s ability to disturb lies not in what it shows but in what it implies, making it a masterclass in sustained tension, psychological manipulation, and emotional decay.

Comparison:

If you enjoyed *What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?*, you might find similarities in **Ryan Murphy's TV series *Feud: Bette and Joan* (2017)**, which dramatizes the behind-the-scenes rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during the making of this very film. The series explores the complicated dynamics between the actresses, echoing the themes of jealousy and faded fame seen in *Baby Jane* itself.