One actor. Two film roles. You tell us which portrayal was the best. The most memorable. Or iconic. Or simply your favorite.
But before you pass judgment, a few words defending the “character” of each…
The case for Margo Channing
Everybody knows that All About Eve was really all about Margo. Let’s sum up: An Oscar-nominated Bette Davis (#2 greatest female American screen legend according to AFI) in a Best Picture winner (a record 14 total Oscar nominations) portraying her greatest role (says Roger Ebert; Premiere’s #5 performance of all-time) caustically spouting line after line of eminently quotable dialogue (“Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night!”). Hard to beat that.
The case for Baby Jane Hudson
Davis delivered classic lines (“But you are, Blanche! You are in that chair!”) and also got an Oscar nom for her portrayal of Jane in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Perhaps the movie and its message aren’t as high-minded as All About Eve, but it is the quintessential camp cult classic. And though it may not have been Davis’ greatest role it is arguably her most memorable. Those who’ve seen Jane’s “I’ve Written a Letter to Daddy” performance can attest to that.
Now that you’ve heard the arguments for both it’s time to render your verdict!
View and leave you thoughts on all of the Character Witness posts