Negative Positive
Title: Bergman at her best
Review: Ingrid Bergman received a Best Actress award from the Academy for her performance in the 1944 version of Gaslight. As anyone knows, the Oscars are not necessarily a good guide to fine acting but, in this case, she deserved it in spades. This taut, suspenseful production, superbly directed by the great George Cukor, also features fine performances from Charles Boyer, Angela Lansbury (17, going on 18) and Joseph Cotten. But it is Bergman's performance which elevates this film out of the ruck, so that it takes its place among the best of its type. The DVD transfer, on the whole, is good, although the print from which it was made shows considerable signs of wear in the first 10 minutes, and the whole thing could do with a restoration/clean. The special feature, hosted by Bergman's daughter, Pia Lindstrom, is well worthwhile - and on the flipside of the disc there is also the 1940 British version of the Patrick Hamilton play. A DVD worth owning.
Is the review positive or negative? 