Rebecca, The Underwhelming Adaptation No One Asked For

My name is Rebecca and my notification popped up 'Rebecca, the underwhelming...' And my first thought was 'Yeah, that's fair.'

TiredRavenclaw

I liked the beginning of the film, but the ending was a bit underwhelming. I personally really like the climax of the German musical Rebecca, which mirrors the Hitchcock version where Ms. Danvers dies in the fire. Because the way they use the fire in the show on the stairs, it makes me feel the horror of being trapped inside a burning house. Here's a link directly to the scene: https://youtu.be/buudlB9-pYk?t=2954

I might be the millionth person to say this, but I came to know Armie Hammer through "The Social Network," and I remember thinking he was damn impressive in that. Would recommend the movie on it's own for its brilliant Fincher+Sorkin combo.

ArianeLP

At least it wasn't Twilight?

Watch call me by your name he just approaches his acting the same there but he gets away with it there cause it fits the character

I think Armie's a good actor, but I was so confused when I heard he was cast in this role. He's barely older than she is.

April Smith

The trouble with Armie Hammer is he's really only as good as his director. So he is capable, but it takes the right person to make that a reality

Breanne Lasorso

I haven't watched the video yet but fun fact about the 1940 movie: It's the reason why in Spain, a lot of people call a cardigan a "rebecca" because that's what the main character wore.

Ryder Soleno

A pity, but I still have to watch - one of my top three favourite musicals, and love the book too ;)

AnetteCB

I didn't even get through the film. Max de Winter had the charm of a broomstick with a wig on and the second Mrs de Winter should not have had bleached blonde hair, in the time period portrayed that would have branded her a hussy and she would never have been employed by a respectable lady as a companion. I loved the book and the Hitchcock film and am old enough to remember the BBC adaptation with Joanna David. Sadly this version made a gripping novel feel like a sponge cake without any eggs.

Eustacia Vye

Good review, I find I agree with you that the dialing back of the characters less desirable traits makes for a less enjoyable experience. I found the film to be rather boring, but I still cant decide if that was the films fault or if I was less invested because I'd read the book and already knew the big reveal.

Micaela Sparrow

That's a really interesting point about interpretations. That an interpretation of a work can be so radically different by focusing on different aspects and assigning them different levels of importance that you can effectively change genre. That's not something you, or at least I, come across very often. Different angles, yes, and this-and-this-are-allegories for, but such a shift in genre? Now I want to investigate.

Therese Knøs

I was hoping we’d be back to the Patreon requests after Twilight. There’s a fair number of titles I’ve been looking forward to seeing and it’s been two months since any requests were fulfilled.

Jo and Gareth

Seconded Emilia Fox's characterisation is a lot more truly meek but with the suggestion that she might have her own opinion, if she wasn't too scared to express it Also, they really committed to the age difference; there's almost 30 years between Fox and Dance. And, from what you said in this video, I think the ending is more book accurate.

Kat Deuchars

Agreed Although, he reads the audiobook of Call Me By Your Name and I found his voice acting riveting.

Kat Deuchars

The only good performance I've seen from Armie Hammer is as the son of the Devil in the short-lived and criminally underrated TV series Reaper.

Robin Isomaa

I would love it if you did an episode on the 1997 miniseries adaptation. It's Charles Dance, Diana Rigg, and Emilia Fox. I like it as much if not more than the 1940's version. Dame Rigg is perfect as Mrs. Danvers and plays the maternal aspect, the gay over/undertones, and the gothic horror villain to perfection.

Love Dom dropping into an American accent to say "surfshark" in the bloopers. It's that double rhotic R, few other English speakers have it. hell, even some American English speakers drop R's

Siona Larsen

I could tell Armie Hammer was going to be stiff in the movie, solely based on the trailer.

Ly Jalao

Rebecca was perhaps the only novel you've reviewed that I actually sought out to read before watching your review.

RabidDog008 - Royce Pentaghast

Ok. I will avoid this movie. Thank you for sharing! Kiss

Ioana Sofonea

By the way, Dom -- I sent you a message here on Patreon; I hope you see it at some point.

Vespadesu

Oh my god, just the intro and I'm already cracking up. I'll have to watch this in the morning XDDD

Vespadesu

I'm grateful you're gonna touch on this as I'm curious in a 'no I'm not touching that' way 😅 'did they at least make it gay' 'no' 'then why'

Stella Bella

I also find Armie Hammer strangely forgettable. Even after all the hype about his leading up to Call Me By Your Name, I didn't recognize him in Sorry To Bother You.

Ryan Rowekamp

"It's an okay episode, I guess." YOU TAKE THAT BACK, YOU HANDSOME DEVIL. Your Rebecca Lost in Adaptation was marvelous.

Skemono

It seemed like a good idea at the time...