The Whales of August (1987)

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Lillian Gish and Bette Davis play aged sisters living in an old house on the coast of Maine. The sisters are civil, but disagreements light up over the subject of change. Gish’s character still has a lust for life and welcomes new neighbors and new ideas, while Davis’ character, blind and in need of care, resents visitors and change. The sisters contemplate whether or not to continue living together when their outlooks are so different.

The Whales of August is an intimate, character-driven film based on a stage play by David Berry. It’s about how we view the twilight of our lives and the sisters clearly demonstrate two opposing outlooks. The drama of the piece comes from whether or not they will separate or continue living together. It’s an extremely simplistic story, with little subtext or sophistication — which I found equal parts boring and refreshing.

I can’t say that Bette Davis and Lillian Gish give great performances, unfortunately. Gish feels stagey and self-conscious. Davis is better in quiet moments, when we’re allowed to just watch her thinking — but is otherwise a lot more low-key than I’d have preferred. The two don’t really have chemistry or connect.

Vincent Price and Ann Sothern fare much better in supporting roles. They both play neighbors who visit the sisters throughout the course of a day. Price catches a fish and prepares it for a nice candlelight dinner with the siblings. Sothern is a bubbly old busy-body who thinks she’s helping when perhaps she’s not. The film is best when these two, warmer personalities are on-screen.

Of course, The Whales of August also comes with the baggage of all the actors’ long careers. And to some extent, it’s nice just to see these Hollywood legends still working in their golden years. The house location and seaside setting are also beautiful to spend some time in. Directed by Lindsay Anderson (If…).

Oscar Nomination: Best Supporting Actress (Ann Sothern)