'All About Eve' discussion.

[katiesaliba]

Here's an essay topic:
‘In order to succeed in the theatre, the only values that count are egotism and ruthless ambition.’ Is this true?

I'm struggling to create a concise contention. Any thoughts on the topic?

[rhinwarr]

It's best to discuss both sides of the prompt in my opinion. Here's a couple of ideas to get you started.

About the characters:
-Addison succeeds in the theatre while being egotistical and ruthless: You can also include discussion about the background info how it was a patriarchal society so males were able to gain power easier than females

-Eve 'succeeds' in theatre but she is not really content: you can think about whether she actually truly succeeds, she doesn't have any real relationships - only alliances, talk about Phoebe - she repeats the cycle, karma for all the bad things Eve has done in order to become successful

-Bill and Lloyd are successful but they're not really ruthless or arrogant: again you can bring in the patriarchal stuff

-Margo is successful without being ruthless like Eve: you can discuss about her authenticity compared to Eve's superficiality

-Karen is not really successful and she is not egotistical and ambitious: she's kind of an outsider to the theatre so she provides a different perspective

-Max Fabian is successful but he is soft-hearted

-Miss Casswell does not become successful (during the film) as she does not have the ruthlessness that Eve does - she is more empty-headed etc.

Key scenes:
-Awards ceremony scenes
-Bill and Margo arguing after Eve's reading as understudy

There is waaaaaay more you can talk about as well. Try not to limit yourself by only looking at one contention for the topic. I just wrote a practice essay on this prompt so I can show you if you want.

[Jason12]

what are some film techniques used in all about eve? I'm struggling to find a lot and it has to be included as it is part of the criteria.

[rhinwarr]

Anything specific you need the film techniques to show?

[Jason12]

just in general

[rhinwarr]

Here's a couple I just copied out of my notes

Mid shots throughtout the film - suggest the characters are constantly performing

Symbols
•   Harp case - Epic but fragile and vulnerable "Handle with care"
•   Mirrors - Links to the theme of identity

Costume
•   Eve’s trenchcoat and hat, huskier voice, lower, more masculine
•   Eve wearing Margo’s dress which doesn’t fit her anymore – Eve starts to become like Margo
•   Party – Eve and Margo’s clothes look almost identical, they are on the same level
•   Eve’s performance instead of Margo – they are indistinguishable (same costume)

Music
•   Echoes and represents Margo’s character and feelings
•   Leibestraum (Dreams of Love) – Margo’s sadness and jealousy with Bill
•   “I detest cheap sentiment” – in the car scene
•   Blue Moon – “I hate men”
•   Stormy Weather – End of party, suggests something bad is about to happen

Freeze Frame
•   Allows audience to contemplate the moment of acceptance
•   Addison is controlling what we can see as he narrates the beginning
•   Looks like Even is reaching for the gun, the gun points at her

[Jason12]

what about film techniques that mankiewicz uses to reflect 1950's feminine values?

[rhinwarr]

-the flowers can symbolise the fragility of women. Like flowers, women could be said to wilt without the support of their husbands

-the harp and harp case "handle with care" can be applied to the women in the film

-mirrors highlight the importance of appearance and age to women

-Close up shots of Margo emphasise her age

-compositions of frames where men are higher/looking down on a female character - shows that women are overpowered by men

-Karen is referred to as a "playwright's wife" - women do not have strong personalities an d mould their identity and success by their husband's

[katiesaliba]

It's best to discuss both sides of the prompt in my opinion. Here's a couple of ideas to get you started.

About the characters:
-Addison succeeds in the theatre while being egotistical and ruthless: You can also include discussion about the background info how it was a patriarchal society so males were able to gain power easier than females

-Eve 'succeeds' in theatre but she is not really content: you can think about whether she actually truly succeeds, she doesn't have any real relationships - only alliances, talk about Phoebe - she repeats the cycle, karma for all the bad things Eve has done in order to become successful

-Bill and Lloyd are successful but they're not really ruthless or arrogant: again you can bring in the patriarchal stuff

-Margo is successful without being ruthless like Eve: you can discuss about her authenticity compared to Eve's superficiality

-Karen is not really successful and she is not egotistical and ambitious: she's kind of an outsider to the theatre so she provides a different perspective

-Max Fabian is successful but he is soft-hearted

-Miss Casswell does not become successful (during the film) as she does not have the ruthlessness that Eve does - she is more empty-headed etc.

Key scenes:
-Awards ceremony scenes
-Bill and Margo arguing after Eve's reading as understudy

There is waaaaaay more you can talk about as well. Try not to limit yourself by only looking at one contention for the topic. I just wrote a practice essay on this prompt so I can show you if you want.

Ah yes, I had very similar points! It'd be great if you could show me!