I do see that this TV version of the wonderful Daphne Du Mourier book has those who both love and hate it. I personally did love it. I do prefer Hitchcock's film(one of my all-time favourite films) and the 1979 series, but this stands on its own. The story is more faithful(if not entirely) in tone to the Hitchcock film and the romance possibly broader, and is dealt with in an atmospheric manner and is just as suspenseful as the previous two versions. It looks wonderful visually, Manderly is imposing, the scenery is beautiful and the photography is remarkably good. There is also a haunting, emotional score(especially the cello and orchestra theme) by Christopher Gunning, a tight script, a lot of interesting characters lead and supporting and, while slow, fluid pacing. The acting was mostly fine to me. Charles Dance might be too old for Maxim and I did find Jeremy Brett more believable, but I did in a way find him attractive and thought he captured the darkness and angst of the character quite well. I actually found the weak link to be Emilia Fox, I do have huge affection for Joan Fontaine in Hitchcock's film and I also much prefer her mother Joanna David as an actress so I may be biased, but Fox for a character as shy as the second Mrs De Winter seemed too beautiful, elegant and dare I say wan. The supporting cast are even better, Faye Dunnaway is always a pleasure to watch, and Jonathan Cake is a suitably smarmy Jack, but top honours go to Diana Rigg as a sinister yet also humane Mrs Danvers. Other than Fox, my other complaint was the flashbacks with Rebecca. I can understand why they were included and they were interesting enough, but I much prefer it when Rebecca is mysterious and just omnipresent, it is more suspenseful that way. Overall, I loved it but I do prefer Hitchcock's and the 1979 series. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Rebecca
