Tuesday, 11 August 2020

Reflections on ... The Dark Mirror (1946)



Recently watched: The Dark Mirror (1946). Tagline: “Twins! One who loves … and one who loves to kill!” 

A nice way to remember the great Olivia de Havilland (who died last month aged 104): the BBC recently screened the 1946 psychological thriller The Dark Mirror in tribute (it might still be on the iPlayer – check! It’s also viewable on YouTube). The Dark Mirror is a real potboiler (albeit artfully directed by film noir maestro Robert Siodmak), hardly one of the Golden Age Hollywood star’s most prestigious films and I’m probably alone here, but this is my favourite performance by de Havilland. 

Or should I say “performances”? She portrays identical twins Terry and Ruth Collins who are suspected of murder. Inevitably, one sister is good and one evil. (This was a popular scenario at the time. De Havilland’s friend and peer Bette Davis starred in not one but two variations of this theme). Terry and Ruth aren’t just identical twins: even as adults, they also always wear identical outfits and coiffures. (No one comments on how dysfunctional this is). Helpfully, their choices in accessories occasionally distinguishes the sisters. They sometimes wear necklaces that spell-out “Terry” or “Ruth” (anticipating the “Carrie” one Sarah Jessica Parker used to wear on Sex in the City) or brooches in the shape of “R” or “T”.  But of course, this jewelry can be used to mislead! 

Anyway, de Havilland specialized in playing virtuous women so it’s fascinating when (as the psycho killer twin) she uses her familiar purring honeyed tones to gaslight, manipulate and spread malice, and to see her serenely beautiful face twisted in rage. She’s so good it makes you wish de Havilland played unsympathetic roles more often. She wouldn’t get another opportunity again until Hush … Hush, Sweet Charlotte in 1964.

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