On R List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Rebecca (1940)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
5/12
5/12:
Rebecca is a bit of unusual departure for Alfred Hitchcock, yet it's very good.
However, the logic is somewhat flawed. Of course, a newlywed bride will want to know what the previous wife looked like,
but it never happens in this film. For somebody who owns a grand estate, Maxim de Winter should've taken his time
before proposing to marry by becoming fully acquainted with her. Otherwise, he'll have tons of problems in the long run.
By the way, when a new wife takes over the estate, she automatically assumes the power over her servants which means the
second Mrs. de Winter can dismiss Ms. Danvers at will. Nonetheless, the performances by Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine
are excellent. It's the latter who makes the most out of the plot, envoking suggestions of
Ingrid Bergman-Casablanca moments.
All in all, Daphne du Maurier wrote Rebecca, and Alfred Hitchcock used his technical brilliance
to transform it into an outstanding picture.