I was bouncing between pleased and horrified when I found out about a new version of Rebecca. After all, the story is a classic and how bad could it be?
I knew that, imo, Max was portrayed as far too young and Lily James is far too pretty to play Mrs de Winter no.2., but Kristin Scott-Thomas as Mrs Danvers spurred me on and I wasn't disappointed, consummate professional that she is. However, my 2 stars are for her and the sumptuousness of the locations. And that's it.
The story is supposed to be full of suspense that has you wondering what's going on. How will the new Mrs de W cope, thrust into the life of the elite when she hasn't got a clue? Let alone being made to feel inadequate by the ghost of the first Mrs de W still pervading every corner of Manderley and the heartbreaking realisation that your husband still grieves for her. She can't hope to escape Rebecca's presence and this hangs over everything like a pall, even affecting you new marriage.
The whirlwind romance was supposed to lead you into the real meat of the story, but then it was badly rushed. Was everybody as fed up as we were and wanted to go home?? Where was the build up? Mrs Danvers nearly succeeding in driving Mrs de W to suicide was over in 2 seconds and the final, amazing revelation that stuns the wife as well as the audience was thrown away!
Oh please, in the future at least get a director who has read and understands the book. I'm afraid Hitchcock, even with the 'Hollywood' ending, is still the king....
Review of Rebecca
