Highly Overrated But Still Good

best movie i've ever seen.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

I went into this thinking it was a Gothic Horror. Not horror at all, although that Mrs. Danvers could certainly pass for Bela Lugosi's sister. And it didn't feel all that Gothic to me either. But it certainly is a wonderful drama/mystery that pulled me in and held me right through to the end. I found myself staring at Joan Fontaine's face in almost every scene. Such simple, understated beauty! Olivier was great too, even if I found his character to be kinda of a jerk. A great film that has stood the test of time.

I really enjoyed this film like I usually enjoy Hitchcock films. This one is a bit different however. His suspense element is still here but the films true highlight is its directing. This films directing is truly special and Hitchcock really uses the camera to get every reaction and emotion out of the actors. Speaking of the actors they really do Hitchcock's directing a favor because each of these actor play their rolls excellently. This film is a little bit different from normal Hitchcock films but it is very good and I really enjoyed watching it.

The ending is more than a little ex machina. Very unpleasant types: Hecate van Hopper, Maximum de Winter, Deathly Danvers, Flakey Favell Foulenough, combine to bully a sweet, pretty, innocent, young girl with no name. But she slowly grows strong, takes Maxim in hand, and in the end sees off the others. This all takes place at Manderley, not Mandalay. Joan Fontaine is gorgeous.Florence Bates, as van Hopper, has a vicious Hitchcockian way with a cigarette, a stubbing technique later adopted by Jessie Royce Landis in To Catch a Thief. Was this another way Hitchcock decided later to repeat himself ? Just a thought. I don't think he showed up personally in Rebecca.An unusual Hitchcock perhaps, because it is heavy on atmosphere, somewhat reminiscent of Edgar Allan P, and although there is a modicum of suspense, it is slightly flat in that department. It's almost as if Alfred was feeling his way with his first film under American skies. Rebecca's death throes, her smile of satisfaction as she expires, reminds me of Claggart, although the film of Billy Budd was not produced until 22 years later. A gripping watch, but Olivier is extremely unappealing in his role. Other reviewers have explained that Selznick interfered with the direction of this film.

This classical Hitchcock's Gothic mystery irresistibly reminds of "Gone With the Wind" (same producer), and also of Jane air (screenplay is based on novel of the same name by Daphne Maurie and it's written on the model of Charlotte Bronte). This is the first Hitchcock American/Hollywood movie so it has typical British flavor, like all previous Hitchcock mysteries. It is nominated for 11 Oscars and has won 2, for the best movie and the best black and white cinematography. I wouldn't say it's one of the best movies of all time, but it surely is masterpiece.9/10