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Reviews
Rebecca (2020)
Haunted by the ghost of
Rebecca is one of my favourite books, and, to pre-empt my review, I am somewhat biased in that I've seen the 1940 and 1997 adaptations too. This film is alright, especially for people who haven't seen the others or read the book, but in that case I would recommend just watching Hitchcock's film.
The characterisation seems very off to me. Lily James, though excellent, is too well-known to effectively play a timid, schoolgirlish character like Mrs. De Winter, and her age difference with Armie Hammer, who is far too convivial and nice throughout the film, makes the relationship seem perfectly innocuous and healthy. It isn't, and we shouldn't think it is. The dialogue pertaining to Mrs De Winter's youth is almost entirely cut - where once she wished to be "a woman of 36, draped in black satin and a string of pearls", now she essentially...is that woman already. Maxim no longer refers to her as a girl, a child, or a lost thing, and the film suffers for it.
Manderley, too, possesses none of what the book or Hitchcock film did. The opening sequence, the exploration of the West Wing, and the final scene do nothing to create a sense of mystery and intrigue - and the number of scenes of servants walking around, giggling, eating, and even singing raucous post-war songs effectively Downtonised the Gothic manor into a placid stately home, which Lily James is unfortunately associated with already.
The numerous nightmare sequences throughout the film are laughable, in particular the scene where Mrs De Winter is pulled into the floor by a devil's snare-style vine, and the lingering presence of Rebecca feels pithy; no rhododendrons, no lingering footsteps, and no crashing waves that call her name.
Overall, I'd recommend this film, but only as a contrast to the 1940 adaptation, and both of them still pale in comparison to the book. Prepare yourself, though, for Maxim's fiendish mustard suit, worn over four times, and for overt sex scenes that present the estranged couple as perfectly happy before the Big Twist.
The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo (2016)
Genuinely enthralling
A fantastic show with the best comedic timing i've seen in a while. manages to make you really feel like you're living your best life. love it and can watch it over and over.