EGADS Looks like I will be dreaming of Manderley again!
Imagine my surprise when I found out that one of my favorite books of all time, Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca, which in turn became a 1940 film directed by one of my favorite directors, Alfred Hitchcock, was getting a cinematic remake/reboot.
According to Variety Magazine’s Showblitz blog, DreamWorks and Working Title Films are joining forces to bring a fresh vision of this classic tale to the silver screen. The good news: Steven Knight, whose previous work includes Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises and Steven Frears’ Dirty Pretty Things.
In case you have not read the book or seen the 1940 Hitchcock film, here is a very brief synopsis:
A young bride is terrorized by the memories of her husband’s glamorous first wife.
And here is the trailer for that film:
While not considered a quintessential ‘Hitchockian’ thriller, this film marked Mr. Hitchcock’s first Hollywood studio production and went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture of 1940.
Now that you have a little background information, tell me:
Who would you like to see cast in the title roles of the unnamed author, her new husband, Maxim de Winter, and most importantly, the maid Mrs. Danvers?
I haven’t seen Rebecca so I can’t answer your question. I might rent it soon as it’s just released on Blu-ray along w/ other Hitchcock classics.
Just so you also know the story has heavy shades of Jane Eyre in its DNA.
Forgive my aged brain, but have you seen The Paradine Case with your man?
Yes I have, but I saw it online as it didn’t seem worth buying. That finale scene of his close-up is to die for!
yeah it is not worth owning. ranks down there with Under Capricorn, although i have not re-watched Under Capricorn.
Oh wow, I had not heard this news. I’ve read the book and seen the movie. A new production will have to really work hard to beat Joan Fontaine and Lawrence Olivier.
Casting, casting, it’s all in the casting.
Colin Firth as Maxim de Winter?
Mia Wasikowska as the young bride? (Does it matter that she played Jane Eyre?)
Can’t think who for Mrs. Danvers….
Those are solid picks (especially Firth). Mia is not bad – you have to find someone who is meek and retiring but who also able to transform into a self-assured woman. I guess it’s tough. I think Romola Garai could potentially pull it off.
As for Danvers that is another thing entirely. Dame Judith nailed it, not sure I could see anyone else in the role.