412. Rebecca; movie review

 

 

REBECCA

Cert 12A

121 mins

BBFC advice: Contains sex, threat

In 1940, Alfred Hitchock released his adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's novel Rebecca.

Starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, it was a huge success, received 11 nominations at the 13th Academy Awards, and won Best Picture and Best Cinematography.

Indeed, Rebecca was the only film directed by Hitchcock to win the former award.

Only two years ago, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the National Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant."

It is pretty obvious, therefore, that it would be a hard act to follow even though the makers of this Rebecca claim they were not attempting a remake.

On the plus side, the new version looks great. Monte Carlo has never oozed as much class and Manderley has never been grander.

However, director Ben Wheatley ain't no Hitchcock and Armie Hammer, who I am growing to like, certainly ain't no Olivier.

Hammer plays Maxim de Winter, an aristocrat who is in Europe but grieving over the loss of his beloved wife.

Actually, she can't be occupying his mind that much because he falls in lust for the companion (Lily James) of a rich old curmudgeon (Ann Dowd).

The two have a jolly old time on the French Riviera, marry, enjoy Italy and then return to England where she must assume responsibility as lady of the manor.

The problem is that the staff, especially the domineering housekeeper (Kristin Scott Thomas) are still under the spell of their former mistress.

Indeed, Rebecca's legacy springs more than one or two surprises for the new Mrs De Winter.

I am aware that this movie tried to move back to Du Maurier's source material but I struggled to get the Hitchcock classic out of my head.

And, sadly, this Rebecca does not have anything like the punch of Hitchcock. 

Hammer is too lightweight, both as a romantic and then as the husband who finds himself unable to unshackle himself from the memory of his former love.

James also struggles to bring the audience on to her side as she fights a lone battle for her marriage and her sanity.

The saving grace is the ever-reliable Scott Thomas who becomes unhinged with great expertise.

Nevertheless, I was left wondering why I hadn't just reached for the old film and not bothered with this.

Reasons to watch: Intriguing to see a Hitchcock remake

Reasons to avoid: It could not muster the suspense of the old master

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 5.5/10

Did you know? Daphne DuMaurier's novel has never gone out of print and sold 2.8 million copies between its publication in 1938 and 1965.

The final word. Lily James: "We really weren’t trying to remake the Hitchcock film in any way. In the end, I just felt like there was great source material. Daphne du Maurier’s book is so rich and deep and complex and screwed up. When I really thought about it, the perfect film for Wheatley, who is a very psychological and dark director, who really delves into humans, and what we’re capable of."

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