1943 – Anne Revere
The Song of Bernadette
I really liked Anne Revere’s performance in this movie. She played Louise Casterot Soubirous, Bernadette’s mother. She was a peasant woman who began her character arc as a doubter of her daughter’s miraculous visions. And by the end, it never made any specific references to her being an actual believer, but through everything, she never stopped being the girl’s mother, despite all the ridicule and hardships she and the family had to endure. Like when the police would stop the family in public to take Bernadette in for questioning, her righteous anger was real.
There was real sympathy when Bernadette was in distress and needed a mother’s love to turn to for comfort. She played the parental care and unconditional love the part required perfectly. She was not a beautiful woman, but that was entirely appropriate. Indeed, she had a remarkably plain face, a feature that was intentionally enhanced with makeup and lighting. After all, she was a poor peasant woman, not a glamorous socialite. To her credit, she really looked the part.
She had several scenes that really stood out to me. One was where she is called to the doctor’s because Bernadette has fainted. But when she arrives, Bernadette seems to be just fine. The anger and embarrassment she displayed were palpable. What will the townspeople think of the mother of the girl who was faking illness to garner sympathy, lying about visions to get attention? Revere’s acting was particularly good in that scene. Another that stands out is the one where Bernadette can’t sleep because she is worrying about her visions of the Lady. The sweet motherly care with which she comforts her daughter was touching.
And then there was the scene where Bernadette is leaving to join the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. I loved the way Revere handled that scene. Yes, there was sadness in her face, but also a hint of pride as well, seeing that her daughter was doing a noble thing, fulfilling the calling of one who had been touched by divinity. It was a very tender scene and Revere handled it with grace and care. I am totally behind her Oscar nomination, though looking at her competition, I can see why she didn’t win. Katina Paxinou just had a more powerful performance.