An ambitious young woman named Eve Harrington works her way into the life of Broadway star Margo Channing. Step by step, she pushes Margo out of her place in the theater world and in the affections of the people she loves. I feel like Joseph L. Mankiewicz wrote the most perfect screenplay in Hollywood history here. It is a comedy of manners that is also a horror film.
All About Eve is a 1950 drama film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. This breakdown covers 5 techniques (4 narrative and 1 psychology), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, Amadeus uses several of the same techniques.
Wrapping the story inside another story that turns out to be a trap or a deception. The listener, or you as the viewer, gets locked into the teller's version before realizing what it is for.
How this film uses it
The film opens at the awards ceremony where Eve receives her prize, so you know she has already won. Every later scene of Margo trusting her plays as a tragedy you can see coming.
Where to see it
The opening ceremony. Eve accepts her award in close-up while Addison DeWitt narrates the history the film is about to tell. The ending is the first image you see.
Giving the narrator a voice so intimate, witty and self-aware that you get pulled into their point of view. You find yourself going along with things you would normally reject.
How this film uses it
Addison DeWitt's narration is the most dangerous tool in the film. It is witty and knowing, and it sounds like the voice of truth. Later, the film reveals that he holds power of his own as the one controlling Eve.
Where to see it
DeWitt's introductory monologue. He introduces the theater world with the easy confidence of someone who thinks he owns it.
Making a villain or anti-hero more extreme as the film goes on, with each act bolder and harder to predict. The fear comes from never knowing what they will do next.
How this film uses it
Eve's scheming grows from devoted fan to arranging a call that makes Margo look as if she forgot Bill's birthday, then secretly becoming Margo's understudy, then threatening to expose Karen unless she backs her for the lead. Each step is bolder than the one before.
Where to see it
The hotel room revelation. DeWitt finally has Eve cornered, and he shows that he knows her past is invented and that she now belongs to him.
Letting the audience know something a character doesn't. You watch them act without that knowledge, which creates suspense, dread or dark comedy.
How this film uses it
You know from the first frame that Eve will succeed, and Margo doesn't. That gap is dramatic irony, and it hangs over every scene of Margo's trust. Every bit of warmth she offers Eve becomes a wound being opened.
Where to see it
Margo's speech praising Eve's loyalty to the theater company. She means every word while you already know how it ends.
Pairing the main character with a second character who mirrors them. The double shows what the hero wants, fears or secretly is.
How this film uses it
Eve is Margo's dark double: younger, more desperate and willing to use what Margo's security has made her unwilling to use. The final mirror scene with Phoebe shows that this doubling will keep repeating without end.
Where to see it
The final shot of Phoebe at the mirror in Eve's apartment, holding Eve's award. Her image splits into endless reflections, and you can already see the next predator.
Questions
All About Eve: quick answers
What filmmaking techniques does All About Eve use?
CineCode breaks down 5 techniques in All About Eve (1950): Frame Narrative as Trap, Voiceover as Seduction, Escalating Villain Intensity, Dramatic Irony and Psychological Doubling.
Who directed All About Eve?
Joseph L. Mankiewicz directed All About Eve, released in 1950. CineCode also covers Cleopatra (1963).
What films are similar to All About Eve?
Films that share techniques with All About Eve include Amadeus (1984), Double Indemnity (1944), Shadow of a Doubt (1943), Insomnia (2002).
