December’23 – Nominated By ZA
Nominations
- Do The Right Thing
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Memories
- Gaslight*
* Won on wheel decision
Plot Synopsis
“Gaslight,” released in 1944, is a psychological thriller film directed by George Cukor. The film is an adaptation of Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play “Gas Light” and is a remake of the 1940 British film of the same name. It stars Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer, Joseph Cotten, and Angela Lansbury in her film debut. “Gaslight” is known for its atmospheric tension and exploration of psychological manipulation, a concept that has come to be known as “gaslighting.”
Plot Synopsis:
The film is set in Victorian-era London, where Paula Alquist (played by Ingrid Bergman) lives in the home of her aunt, a famous opera singer, who was mysteriously murdered. Traumatized by the event, Paula is sent to Italy to recover, where she pursues a career in opera and falls in love with a charming pianist, Gregory Anton (played by Charles Boyer). After a whirlwind romance, the couple marries.
Gregory convinces Paula to return to London and live in her inherited aunt’s house, the site of the murder. Once they move in, strange occurrences begin. Paula notices the gas lights in the house dimming without explanation and hears footsteps in the attic. Additionally, various items go missing, and she is led to believe by Gregory that she is forgetful and losing her sanity.
Gregory’s true motive is gradually revealed: he is the murderer of Paula’s aunt and is searching the house for valuable jewels he believes are hidden there. His psychological manipulation of Paula is part of his plan to distract and confuse her while he continues his search.
Brian Cameron (played by Joseph Cotten), a Scotland Yard inspector, becomes involved when he recognizes Paula as the niece of the famous opera singer. He becomes suspicious of Gregory and begins his own investigation into the strange happenings in the house.
The climax of the film reveals Gregory’s true identity and his criminal intentions. Cameron confronts Gregory, rescuing Paula and exposing the gaslighting to which she has been subjected. The film ends with Paula gaining the upper hand over Gregory, symbolizing her reclaiming her sanity and strength.
Themes:
“Gaslight” delves into the psychological manipulation and abuse that Paula endures, effectively illustrating how an abuser can undermine someone’s perception of reality. The film’s portrayal of this insidious form of manipulation has led to the term “gaslighting” being used in psychological circles to describe a similar kind of mental manipulation.
Ingrid Bergman’s performance, for which she won an Academy Award, is celebrated for its emotional depth and authenticity. The film itself is considered a classic in the psychological thriller genre and remains significant for its exploration of psychological abuse, manipulation, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Average Scores
| Enjoyable | Plot | Acting | Camera | Themes | Music | Casting | Wildcard | Total | |
| Average Score | 5 | 1.12 | 1.03 | 0.72 | 0.25 | 0.33 | 0.22 | 0.12 | 8.78 |
| Max Score | 5 | 2 | 1.5 | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | +/- 0.5 | 11.5 |
| Difference | 0 | 0.88 | 0.47 | 0.28 | 0.25 | 0.17 | 0.28 | 0.38 | 2.72 |
Individual Scores
| Reviewer | Enjoyable | Plot | Acting | Camera | Themes | Music | Casting | Wildcard | Total |
| MA | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| YA | 5 | 1.15 | 1 | 0.8 | 0.35 | 0.3 | 0.25 | 0.15 | 9 |
| ZA | 5 | 1 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.35 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 8.75 |
| KS | 5 | 1.2 | 1 | 0.75 | 0.1 | 0.35 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 8.6 |