Wednesday, June 01, 2022

Gaslight (1944)

Gaslight is an award-winning 1944 drama film directed by George Cukor and starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, and Angela Lansbury. This was Angela Lansbury's first film.

The term "gaslighting" comes from this movie. The word is often used in politics, as when journalists used it to describe the actions of Donald Trump (our gaslighter-in-chief) during the 2016 presidential election and during his term as president. You can find many examples of how his behavior fits this term by using a simple search for the words Trump and gaslight. Vox has a good explanation of what the term means:
The term “gaslighting” comes from the movie, and so its definition is rather specific: when a person lies for their own gain to another person so repeatedly and with so much confidence that the victim begins to doubt her own sanity. And, as the film puts it, a bit of Stockholm Syndrome develops as well: The victim, now uncertain that she can perceive reality correctly, becomes dependent on the gaslighter, more attached to him than ever.
You can watch it free on Roku.

It's also available via Internet Archive:



Filmsite has some information of the history of the film and a detailed plot description. The Hollywood Reporter has a positive review at the time of the film's release. Rotten Tomatoes has a critics consensus score of 88% and an even higher audience score.

20 comments:

  1. Good description & reference of such ... have we become a society that wants to be gaslighted so we can prove we were right not to trust?

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    1. I've heard it said that Trump supporters _wanted_ to believe and so saw what they wanted to see. They got the judges they wanted, and that may be all they cared about :(

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  2. ...with all of the gaslighting going n these day, you would like that we would be more enlightened.

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    1. and instead it seems we're less so :(

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  3. I don't remember when I first heard the word gaslighting, but it has been a few years ago. I saw it happen to a friend of mine, so I know how harmful and devastating it can be. Thanks for sharing this. I plan to watch it on Roku, hopefully next week.

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    1. I know you'll be glad you've seen it. It's a classic, and relevant to the days we live in.

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  4. I rented this one also back in 2005 from Netflix. After Trump, it has a whole new meaning for me--LOL! ;)

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  5. This one is a real gem and deserves all the accolades it received.

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  6. I've seen this but it's been a very very long time. I think I need to rewatch it as it has a great cast. Happy June Nita!

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    1. Oh, yes, that cast! Happy Summertime! :)

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  7. Anonymous5:21 PM

    “Gaslight” has been on my list for a long time. I really should watch it! As you say, with the increasingly exaggerated lies of Trump, it’s more relevant than ever. The idea that he could return to power is such a nightmare!

    best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. They keep telling me he can't win, but that's what they told me when he first ran :(

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  8. A good cast ...

    All the best Jan

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  9. Love Angela Lansbury and this looks such a great cast 😁. Hugs Jo x

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