Summer Under The Stars: Bette Davis

(Excuse the cliches, Bette Davis. I'm sure what I'm about to say could come off as plain old sucking up. But the description of your career just can't be denied.)

Davis was an unstoppable force on-screen. In every role, even her most vulnerable ones, there wasn't a person or circumstance that could tip her over. Her presence - above so many actresses and even actors - is assertive, complex, and almost brutish.  Under make-up, laced in historical costumes, and across varying genres of drama, she paved the way for any aspiring character actress who strive to grapple their screen time with gusto.


Her film career is legendary but sometimes I feel we should thank her more deeply is her off-screen personality. If there was ever an actress, uninhibited by the studio system or press, it was Davis. Just as unquivering on-screen, she had one of the strongest and truest candid personalities. She's lauded for being tough-minded, but she was also rarely bitter hearted - you can see for yourself in her candids.

If anyone asked her something, she'd give you the answer cold turkey. So many stars today I feel try to come off as the girl-next-door; each actress has a brand to fit in with the women's magazines, the fashion lines, the twitterverse. Even in a dramatic role, sometimes they're a little sheepish. And, that only gets them so far. One of the most remembered actresses of Classic Hollywood, Davis had guts the size of grapefruits and wasn't afraid to show 'em to ya in film, through press, or in person.

Anyone who's anyone who love film, generally admires Bette Davis. If you aren't familiar with her, start with any one of her films because in any one of them you'll find a performance that's powerful, perfected, and robust; The Letter, Marked Woman, Jezebel, Now Voyager, Dark Victory - to name a few.

Today I thought it was quite perfect just to revel in Bette Davis; a powerful and compelling personality that shines.