This completely haunting, suspenseful romantic story is so elegantly crafted and written it is simply a must on anyones shelf. The film is equally glorious starring the beautiful Joan Fontaine as the unnamed narrator (this a genius literary technique by Du Maurier,) Mrs de Winter. Not only this, Maxim de Winter is played by the wonderful Lawrence Olivier. Olivier's portrayal is particularly powerful as he captures the allure and intrigue surrounding the character perfectly. Olivier wanted his fiancé at the time Vivien Leigh to take the role but it was given to Fontaine - a good decision, if you ask me as she captures the vulnerability of the role so effortlessly. Rebecca is a true classic piece of cinema, made in 1940 in black and white it is a valued part of Hollywood's 'golden age' of film.
Somehow I find this scene where Fontaine walks down the stairs to the ball in Rebecca's dress too awkward and painful to sit through. Although the film is not laced with expensive special effects there is a disconcerting dynamic which runs throughout. From the scene with Mrs Danvers and the narrator in Rebecca's bedroom to the tension built up surrounding the cottage. Hitchcock (this being his first film in America) the Director perfectly emulates the awkward atmosphere Mrs de Winter feels in the book. Manderley's coldness and bareness is demonstrated through the black and white picture making the viewer similarly suffer the narrators agony.
Here is a representation of the truly incredible facial expressions and mannerisms Olivier gives to the portrayal of Maxim de Winter.
Now, being the english nerd and bookworm that I am I'd like to share a few thoughts on some of the symbolisms and foreshadowing in the book. It never occurred to me until a reread of the novel that the azaleas and flowers that submerge Manderley could be symbolic of Rebecca herself. Of course, her presence does surround Manderley from the servants to the way in which it is furnished and decorated, Maxim admits this himself. The azaleas are described as red having connotations associated with passion, illicit sexual desire and sin. Having always wondered why there was so much reference to the flowers, I feel, this may allude to a deeper meaning that the flowers are representative of Rebecca's corruption of the pure house. Which of course becomes so corrupt it must be burnt to the ground.
This is just one of my suggestions regarding the novel. Others include Rebecca's perhaps homosexual feelings towards Mrs Danvers? Questionable, but I think highly likely in the way Mrs Danvers refers to her.
Let me know what you would like to hear from future posts.
"And the ashes blew towards us with the salt wind from the sea."- Du Maurier's last lines in the novel.
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