1. Mirrors and reflections; the mirror is a female, or lunar symbol.
2. The Latin word for ‘mirror’ is speculum, and from that we have the verb ‘to speculate’.
We should keep this idea in mind as we analyse the two ‘mirror’ scenes in All About Eve. About what are, first Eve and then Phoebe, speculating as they gaze into the cheval mirrors, each covered by their idol’s gown?
Both Eve and Phoebe narcissistically gaze at an enhanced image of their ordinary selves when they gaze into the mirror.
Reflections
The above shot of Eve checking herself out in a mirror is but one of several uses of reflections throughout the film. When Birdie apologizes to Eve in Margo’s dressing room, note that Margo is looking into a mirror with Eve’s reflection next to her. Margo has been brought into Eve’s story, unlike Birdie, who storms off and slams the door.
Likewise, it’s no coincidence that in the film’s final scene, Eve’s understudy, Phoebe (Barbara Bates), is first revealed to Eve in a mirror. What better way to say that this young woman and Eve are the same women of ambition?
Above all, the film’s most brilliant moment may be its last, as Eve’s new assistant stands in front of a three-paned mirror, holding Eve’s trophy and wearing her wardrobe the way Eve once did with Margo. The multiple mirror reflections say so much about the many faces of Eve; the many faces of ambition.