What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a classic 1962 psychological thriller directed by Robert Aldrich and featuring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford in the lead roles, supported by Victor Buono. It is known as a film that capitalizes on the idea of suspense, tension, and exploitation of celebrity culture, setting a character study of faded Hollywood glamour against a haunting backdrop of sibling rivalry and psychological torment.

In this compelling cinematic narrative, we meet two sisters who were once prominent figures in the Hollywood industry. Bette Davis portrays the chilling character of Jane Hudson, famously known as 'Baby Jane,' a former vaudeville child star whose popularity faded as she grew older. Joan Crawford is Blanche Hudson, Jane's younger sister, who managed to establish an enviable acting career as an adult, overshadowing her more famous sister eventually.

But a tragic accident, shrouded in mystery, leaves Blanche paralyzed and entirely dependent on her elder sister Jane for care. The tale is more twisted as the sisters live together in an old, eerie Hollywood mansion, entangled in their bitter resentments, jealousy, and hatred.

Bette Davis turns in a memorably disturbing performance as Jane, who, despite her dwindling fanbase, clings desperately to her past, trying to recapture her bygone days of stardom and youthful beauty. Jane's obsession with her childhood success culminates in her donning grotesque, outdated makeup and costumes, adding to the film’s dark and suspenseful atmosphere.

Simultaneously, Joan Crawford gives a measured performance as Blanche, a wheelchair-bound victim of Jane's bitterness and cruelty, enduring her sister’s torment while harboring a deep-seated loathing for her. The casting of Davis and Crawford, two of Hollywood's most iconic actresses known for their real-life rivalry, adds a meta dimension to the film, making the tension between their characters palpably real.

Victor Buono rounds out the main cast as Edwin Flagg, an unsuccessful musician who becomes unwittingly entangled in the sisters' chaotic lives when Jane hires him as an accompanist, believing he can help revive her stalled career. His character provides an outsider’s perspective on the disturbing codependency and rivalry of the sisters.

The film boldly explores themes of fame, aging, identity, and sibling rivalry while providing a critical commentary on Hollywood's unforgiving treatment of its stars, particularly women as they age. The haunting visuals, enhanced by spooky and heavy shadows, coupled with intense performances, imbue the film with a sense of suffocating claustrophobia and tension.

Aldrich's nuanced direction ensures that every scene brims with suspense and dread, making the film a notable entry in the psychological thriller genre. The black-and-white format adds to the film's overall atmosphere of decaying glamour and steadily increasing horror, making it a visually striking experience throughout its runtime.

The performances of Davis and Crawford were widely lauded, with Davis earning an Oscar nomination for her role, while Buono also received one for his supporting role. The film, although a disturbing psychological tale, was a box-office success and has since gained cult status among classic Hollywood cinema.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is celebrated for its riveting exploration of the dark side of stardom and the devastating impact of time on personal identity. Although set in the glamorous world of Hollywood, it exposes a more sinister side that's often hidden behind the glitz and glamour. It is a flashy and exuberant film, yet at its core, it is a tragic tale of lost innocence, consumed by vanity and resentment. For any fan of classic Hollywood cinema, this film is an absolute must-watch, showcasing the fantastic acting prowess of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford in one of their most iconic performances of their illustrious careers.