All About Eve by Joseph Mankiewicz explores the inability of women to thrive in the roles offered by the theater. For a "real star" like Margo or simply a "carbon copy" like Eve or Phoebe in the harsh world of theater, Mankiewicz suggests that it is almost impossible for a woman to flourish. This dilemma is largely due to the transient nature of success and the possibility of another star constantly in the making. As a result, only the role of the self-effacing and docile woman can succeed in the world of theater. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Mankiewicz suggests that women can only thrive in the role of a docile and humble housewife, while men must be the breadwinners. This is exemplified by Karen, the ideal wife who supports her husband's efforts and does not cultivate an image separate from that of being his wife. Additionally, although Karen may be the "lowest form of celebrity", she enjoys an ostentatious and lavish lifestyle, as indicated by her array of magnificent costumes throughout the film. Unlike Margo, Karen displays no anxiety or "paranoid insecurity", but instead displays undying devotion to her friend and husband, and is thus hailed by Lloyd as his "faithful little wife". Not only does this reflect the paternalistic values ​​prominent in 1950s society, but it is also a support, on Mankiewicz's part, of female characters accepting their subordinate roles. It is through Karen that Margo realizes her desire to play the role of a humble housewife is superior to that of a professional woman. These two roles are in constant conflict in Margo's life and are the main cause of her deep-rooted anxieties. Although seemingly at the height of fame and power, she expresses discomfort with the incongruity of playing women half her age when she reveals to Lloyd that she has reached the big "four oh" , during Bill's birthday party. Additionally, as Margo sits by the piano sullenly, demanding that Liebestraum be played on repeat, close-ups of her face reveal her fear of becoming an aging actress capable of being marginalized by a younger, more attractive understudy. Ultimately, and despite her many accolades, Margo finds her professional career unfulfilling, as she reveals to Karen with an air of resignation that "nothing is good unless you can look up right before dinner...and there it is." . To reinforce his ideal that women should sacrifice their professional careers for a happy domestic life, Mankiewicz juxtaposes Margo's anxieties with his genuine happiness when he casts adoring glances at Bill in the Cub Room the day before their wedding. The role of the “carbon copy” as played by Eve and Phoebe, reveals both the exclusivity of theater and the ephemeral nature of success. Eve introduces herself to Margo playing the role of the wounded war widow, literally climbing the theater stairs in an attempt to reach the top of the professional ladder. At the height of her deceptive powers, she begins by making herself indispensable to Margo, taking on the roles of "sister, lawyer, mother, friend, psychiatrist and cop" in an attempt to curry favor with her, and ends up doing singing Karen in the ladies' room to get the role of Cora in Lloyd's play. However, upon accepting the Sarah Siddons award, close-ups of Eve's expressions reveal her disappointment at Margo and Karen's refusal to congratulate her, with Margo instead pushing her with the trophy, muttering: "Go put that where your heart should be." Moreover,.