Rebecca - 1997

Interesting adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s famous novel. Maxim DeWinter (Dance) and his new wife (Fox) feel the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, who died under unusual circumstances. This remake is actually a more accurate version than Hitchcock’s 1940 film. With its added length, it was able to include many details left out of the earlier shorter film. Even so, it still seemed to lack the mystical feel of either the book itself or its 1940 predecessor. It did stay true to the circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s death, which definitely had more of an impact on the characters than the changes made in the Hitchcock version. Performances were Ok but DeWinter (Dance) seemed much older than described in the book (age 41) which made the age difference between he and the young Mrs. DeWinter (Fox) feel almost uncomfortable. Nor did there seem to be any chemistry between them. Superb performance by Diana Rigg as the chilling Mrs. Danvers, however. Very creepy! Good cinematography and costuming that fit the period. Just an Ok remake, though, and not our favorite. ***