“Rebecca” Review
Eighty years after Alfred Hitchcock’s original “Rebecca,” a remake has been created.
Director Ben Wheatley has taken an iconic story and revamped it with detailed, beautiful visuals. While this version is pleasing to the eye by the scenery and actors, some may say that it’s lacking the real focus.
“Rebecca” is based off the 1938 novel written by Dame Daphne du Maurier. The synopsis is about a woman who marries a wealthy widower and is constantly living in the shadow of the previous wife. Viewers watch once a strong woman crumble from jealousy and insecurity.
Viewers will become obsessed with the visuals and the costumes shown throughout the film. From the striking beauty of the beach, forests and oceans to the mansion’s architecture details. The food and daily objects also cannot be forgotten. The costumes will make anyone want to dress the modest and sophisticated way the characters were.
While the cinematography was captivating, some might agree that it was a little too modern. It depends on the person if they like the modernity of old-fashioned novels or not. The contemporary music was a huge component to this.
Famous faces show up in this movie as well. Lily James portrays Mrs. de Winter, Armie Hammer plays Maxim de Winter and Kristin Scott Thomas executes the role as Mrs. Danvers. As a fan of Lily James, there isn’t a role she cannot follow through with. She can pull the audience in and show what her character is going through.
Some may have a bone to pick with Armie Hammer, though. He did a good job but not much is seen from him. The casting crew could have probably picked someone else for the role. As for Kristin Scott Thomas, just by her death stare, thrill awaits.
After searching for what book worms thought about the film’s precision, it was not all accurate. As mentioned above, the movie’s focus seems to be on the couple and not the mystery of Rebecca.
Overall, “Rebecca” is good, but it could be confusing to people who have never read the book. Many are comparing this version to the 1940 one. This film has a lot to offer but is missing some puzzle pieces.
Rating: 3/5
Emily McGlynn is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email esm5378@psu.edu.
