"Gaslight" (film, 1944)

"Gaslight" (1944) is a psychological thriller about a young woman, Paula, whose husband, Gregory, meticulously manipulates her perception of reality to make her doubt her memories and sanity. As he secretly searches for hidden jewels, he uses subtle tactics—such as dimming the gas lighting—to make her feel increasingly confused and unreliable. The film explores themes of psychological control and manipulation, highlighting how an abuser can distort reality to dominate. The term “gaslighting” originates from this film, now used to describe manipulative behaviors aimed at making someone doubt their own perceptions or sanity.