The Three Faces of Eve
Directed by Nunnally Johnson
Written by Nunnally Johnson from a book by Corbett Thigpen and Hervey M. Cleckley
1957/USA
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Eve Black: Honey, there are a lot of things you’ve never seen me do before. That’s no sign I don’t do ’em.[/box]
The psychiatry is perhaps a little dated but Joanne Woodward is worth the price of admission.
Ralph White (David Wayne) is concerned about his mousey wife Eve (Woodward). She has been having spells she can’t remember, during which she has been behaving very oddly. Her doctor refers her to a psychiatrist, Dr. Curtis Luther (Lee J. Cobb). Despite his misgivings, Ralph takes her. Luther treats Eve for some time. Suddenly, he witnesses one of her spells and Eve Black introduces herself. The extroverted, hard-drinking, provocative Eve Black says she is the one responsible for the odd behavior. She knows all about Eve White but Eve knows nothing about her. Thus, Eve is finally diagnosed with multiple-personality disorder and hospitalized. Luther explains her condition to Ralph but Ralph is a sceptic, believing that his wife may be faking to get away with forbidden behavior.
The road to health for Eve is a long one. Eve Black’s encounter with Ralph eventually leads to the couple’s divorce. Before the story is over, a third personality will emerge.
Woodward, a new-comer at the time, is pretty spectacular. I think Eve Black is supposed to be the scary villain of the piece but Woodward makes her so much fun you are almost sad to see her go. One gets the feeling that Eve’s problems and treatment must have been much more complicated than could be portrayed here. The film succeeds in entertaining – all anyone can really ask.
Joan Woodward won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in The Three Faces of Eve.
Trailer
