Nightmare Alley (Criterion Collection) (Blu-ray), Criterion Collection, Mystery & Suspense

I prefer the Guillermo Del Toro version from the 2020s, but the original film from the 1940s is still a worthwhile watch. Not too many film noirs take place at a freakshow circus. The only problem I have with the film (actually both films) is the motivation of the femme fatale, Dr. Lilith Ritter. In the 1947 film she is portrayed by actress Helen Walker and by Cate Blanchett in the 2021 version. (In my opinion it was some of Blanchett's best work.) I just did not understand why Dr. Ritter wanted to sabotage and destroy our films' mysterious protagonist, who, in this version, is portrayed by Tyrone Power. It seems like she was just wicked for the simple fact that she wanted to be. Her character development seems only half baked, but she's so pivotal to the story. I like my film fatales with enough of a backstory where I can draw my own conclusions, but it seems like she doesn't have one. Instead she exploits the pasts and lives of her psychiatric patients and lovers. No matter how many reviews, summaries, are Wikipedia pages I read I cannot find anything concrete and conclusive about Dr. Ritter which is sad because she is so diabolical. I just wish I knew what compelled her because she was the most fascinating character in both films, and Cate Blanchett knocked it out of the park in 2021. I'm surprised she wasn't nominated for an Oscar. This version from 1947 is worth a gander, too. If you're ever looking for a double feature I would suggest watching the original and then the much more enjoyable remake.