Watch Gaslight

Gaslight is a 1940 British psychological thriller film directed by Thorold Dickinson and starring Anton Walbrook, Diana Wynyard, and Frank Pettingell. The movie is an adaptation of the 1938 play Gas Light by Patrick Hamilton. In the movie, the technique of gaslighting, a form of psychological abuse where an individual is manipulated into questioning their own sanity, is used as a tool for manipulation and control.

The story revolves around a newlywed couple, Paula and Gregory Anton, who move into the home of Paula's aunt, Alice Alquist, after Alice is murdered by a burglar. The house is set like an old Victorian theater, keeping up with the film's theme of pretending to be something it's not. The couple is happy in their new home, but gradually strange occurrences begin to take place.

Gregory starts to manipulate Paula, disconnecting her from reality, and making her believe that she is going insane. He secretly searches the attic every night for Alice's stolen jewels and uses items found there as part of his plan. Rather than proving that Paula is crazy, he beats her down and belittles her and plans to commit her to an asylum to get rid of her. As their marriage deteriorates, an inspector named Brian Cameron arrives on the scene to investigate Alice's murder. He senses that something is not quite right and begins to investigate further.

The acting in the film is phenomenal, and the performances of the three leads are fantastic. Anton Walbrook as Gregory Anton portrays the character’s sinister nature while manipulating Paula in a way that is both disturbing and intriguing. Diana Wynyard as Paula is incredibly convincing as a woman on the brink of madness. Her portrayal of the character's delicate and fragile mental state is compelling and convincing, and we genuinely feel for her.

The film's cinematography is excellent, with scenes shot in shadowy and low-lit areas, which captures the oppressive atmosphere of the movie. The use of space in the film is also noteworthy, with the house itself becoming almost like an additional character. The interiors of the home's rooms are decorated with intricate details such as patterned walls, vintage lighting, and patterned curtains. This detail creates an authentic atmosphere that emphasizes the claustrophobic feeling that is central to the film.

The gas lights themselves play a critical role in the story, acting as a metaphor for the changing mental and emotional states of the characters. As the film progresses, the dimly lit gas lights become a symbol of Paula's fragile mental state, making sure that we stay focused on the central theme of psychological manipulation.

Overall, Gaslight is an intriguing and engaging thriller that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The theme of psychological abuse is handled delicately yet powerfully, making it a timeless piece that still resonates today. The movie is an excellent representation of the film noir genre, with its use of shadowy lighting, intricate sets, and the all-around darkness that is felt throughout. The performances are top-notch, and the film manages to create a genuinely oppressive atmosphere that is both suffocating and compelling. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys classic films or is interested in learning more about psychological abuse and manipulation.

Gaslight is a 1940 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.