#393 The Dark Mirror
Directed by Robert Siodmak
Year 1946
Fun psychological thriller about twin sisters (Olivia de Havilland), one of which is an insane murderer. Sounds like familiar territory, but the psychology in the twin performances is wonderfully nuanced in what is truly one of the All Time Great performances in a Horror/Thriller. At first, the two sisters behave exactly the same, but the more time spent observing them the easier it is to know which is which. They’re not complete opposites. The crazy one knows what it means to be normal and can fake it very well, it’s also what makes her more strong-willed as she manipulates her weaker sister to help cover up or take the fall for her crimes. It helps that the effects are convincing without showing off, so you just end up taking for granted there are two women who look like Olivia de Havilland. Thomas Mitchell is a huge bonus as the Lieutenant who won’t let the case go. Director Robert Siodmak did an equally great job with The Spiral Staircase, and he has a couple more titles in the Top 1000.
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