Have always loved watching the live cinema screenings of plays, operas and ballets. Wonderful too to see productions of old favourites and seeing new discoveries. What is especially great, and this has been said before, about seeing these live cinema screenings is, even if more expensive than seeing a film (fair enough), is their accessibility. Much cheaper than seeing it in the theatre itself, though one does feel like they're in the theatre, so much the authenticity, and easier to get to.
Was very excited about 'All About Eve', with the 1950 film being one of my favourites. Namely down to from personal opinion one of the greatest scripts ever written and one of film's most iconic performances in Bette Davis as Margo Channing. Love George Sanders' performance as well, and his Oscar was richly deserved. The production also had a great cast, have always liked Gillian Anderson and Monica Dolan, and Lily James has always been watchable.
Seeing this production of 'All About Eve' when it was screened live, it was quite incredible. Not quite as great as the film from personal tastes and not quite as emotionally powerful as the production of 'All My Sons' from a few weeks ago (though that was screened after this, just reviewed that first), but still incredible. Almost everything that was so brilliant about the film translates in the production, and the best assets about the film really shine.
Production values are simple but never simplistic, made more interesting by the omnipresent use of the back screen, which didn't distract at all and enhanced the experience with some striking images. Did love the elegant costumes, while the score is neither intrusive or lukewarm.
The dialogue still crackles in its sharp bite and wit, while also being sophisticated. It's talk-heavy, but doesn't feel long-winded. The story is compelling, without ever being melodramatic or too stagy, the action opened up just the right amount. The direction keeps things at a lively enough pace while allowing breathing space.
Gillian Anderson is indeed mesmerising, it must be incredibly daunting following on from Davis but Anderson does it bringing the right amount of chills and pathos. Lily James has one of her more challenging roles and is charming yet cunning. The supporting cast standout was for me Monica Dolan who stole every scene she appeared in and was a show-stealer actually. Everybody else fared strongly too.
Will admit though in not finding Stanley Townsend's Addison DeWitt anywhere near as good as George Sanders', could have been a little more unsympathetic, though that would always have been a tough task.
Otherwise, an incredible production. 9/10
