“What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” is a 1962 psychological thriller directed by Robert Aldrich. This film tells the chilling story of two aging sisters, former child star “Baby” Jane Hudson and her paraplegic sister, Blanche Hudson. As the tension escalates in their decaying Hollywood mansion, secrets unfold, and the line between sanity and madness blurs.
Movie Scene Device Example Jane taunting Blanche by serving her a dead rat for lunch Irony Blanche watching her old movies while imprisoned by Jane Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Blanche’s recollection of the car accident Flashback Jane’s memories of her vaudeville days Flashback
Movie Scene Device Example Jane dressing in her old Baby Jane costume Symbolism The broken telephone Blanche tries to use to call for help Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example Blanche’s face hidden in shadows during key moments Lighting Jane’s appearance as she loses her grip on reality Lighting
Movie Scene Device Example The Hudson mansion’s deteriorating state Setting The empty streets and desolate beach Setting
Movie Scene Device Example Jane mimicking Blanche’s voice to trick Elvira Dramatic Irony The audience knowing Blanche’s secret before Jane Dramatic Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Jane’s childlike demeanor contrasted with her cruel actions Juxtaposition Blanche’s elegant past vs. her current helplessness Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Jane’s delusional phone call to Edna Pathos Blanche’s plea for help from the neighbor Pathos
Movie Scene Device Example The carnival music playing during dark scenes Soundtrack The eerie silence in tense moments Soundtrack
Character Studies
Baby Jane Hudson
Device Explanation Symbolism Jane’s doll represents her clinging to her past fame and lost youth. Irony Despite being the “Baby” star, Jane’s actions reveal her as a deeply disturbed adult.
Blanche Hudson
Device Explanation Flashback Blanche’s memories of her successful film career highlight her fall from grace. Pathos Blanche’s helplessness and suffering evoke sympathy from the audience.
Character Dynamics
Device Explanation Juxtaposition Jane’s cruelty contrasted with Blanche’s vulnerability emphasizes their toxic relationship. Dramatic Irony The audience’s awareness of Blanche’s true condition creates tension as Jane’s actions unfold.
Power and Control
Device Explanation Symbolism Jane’s control over Blanche is symbolized by the locked doors and windows. Irony Jane’s belief that she is in control contrasts with her own descent into madness.
Fame and Decline
Device Explanation Flashback The flashbacks to Jane’s childhood stardom juxtaposed with her current state highlight the fleeting nature of fame. Pathos The portrayal of both sisters’ decline evokes a sense of tragedy and loss.
Literary Device Technique Explanation Irony Close-up shots Close-ups on Jane’s face reveal her inner turmoil, contrasting her outward actions. Symbolism Mise-en-scène The decaying mansion symbolizes the characters’ deteriorating lives. Flashback Editing Seamless transitions between past and present enhance the narrative flow.
Scene 1: Jane Serves Blanche a Rat
YouTube Link: Jane Serves Blanche a Rat
This scene utilizes irony and symbolism to heighten the horror . The irony of Jane serving her sister a rat, contrasted with her childlike demeanor, shocks the audience. The rat symbolizes Jane’s cruelty and the decaying state of their relationship.
Scene 2: Blanche Watching Her Old Movies
YouTube Link: Blanche Watching Old Movies
This scene employs flashback and pathos to evoke sympathy for Blanche. Watching her former glory days while being trapped in the present underscores her tragic fall.
Interactive Quiz
Which literary device is primarily used when Jane serves Blanche a rat?
What does the Hudson mansion symbolize?
A) Jane’s past fame
B) The sisters’ deteriorating lives
C) Hollywood glamour
Which technique is used to transition between past and present in the film?
A) Soundtrack
B) Editing
C) Lighting
Correct answers:
A) Irony
B) The sisters’ deteriorating lives
B) Editing
