Rebecca (2020)

25 October 2020

Alfred Hitchcock won only one Academy Award for best picture in his career (never best director) with 1940's Rebecca. Based on and pretty true to the Daphne du Maurier book of the same name, its production holds up over the test of time, even 80 years later. This version comes back to Manderley, retelling the tale with some differences thrown into the mix, though I hear it stays relatively true to the story as well. I haven't read the book so I can only speak to the films at this time.

This telling of this version comes across as more overtly cruel. The housekeeper is an oppressive and hostile force in the story, and if anyone rises as a result of this retelling it will be Kristin Scott Thomas in her portrayal as Mrs. Danvers. The steamrolling of the second Mrs. de Winter in this film seems especially harsh with the nearly vitriolic roles of minor characters like her employer Mrs. Van Hopper or some of the de Winter relatives. And Armie Hammer's presence as Mr. de Winter fades into the background, amplifying it all. Knowing the story doesn't make it any less rough to watch.

There are some unnecessary twists included in this version, and an epilogue that isn't really necessary, but it's difficult to remake a classic. That said, it's ambitious to try - and I'm torn in my opinion of this film. Ultimately I'm glad this tale is making it to new audiences, and that Ben Wheatley had the audacity to bring it back to film. I don't think the acting or cinematography hold up compared to the original, but I think the story itself remains very strong. So I think if you're trying to introduce Rebecca to a new generation, this holds out pretty well. 7/10