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Fannish 50 S2 Post 23: The Many Faces of Rebecca
All right, so before I begin, I gotta point out that I'll be talking abt 3 out of the 8 known film adaptations of Rebecca.
Even though I've searched everywhere, I was only able to watch the first 3 or so minutes of the 1962 version starring James Mason as Maxim de Winter. This one was part of a TV anthology thing. I gotta say I wasn't super impressed with the set up (which changed the setting from Monte Carlo to a cruise ship on its way to England.) Also, it summarized the entire first third of the story, i.e. the Second Mrs. de Winter and Maxim's courtship.
There's a 1966 Turkish movie called Kıskanç Kadın that I have no access to (without getting a subscription to a streaming site. Which, like, no, thanks, LOL. I'm not THAT invested.)
Another version is an Italian, 2-part miniseries called Rebecca, la prima moglie that's abt 2 and a half hours long. Unfortch for me, the only version I've been able to find has Italian and Russian subtitles. I don't know either language so there we are.
Additionally, there's a 2009 Pakistani drama called Noorpur Ki Rani that is inspired by the novel. That one is abt 23 episodes total. What I have read abt it feels like it's far removed from the source material, IMO.
Finally, I'm ignoring the 2020 Netflix adaptation with meh (imo) actress Lily James as the Second Mrs. de Winter, POS bitchass armie hammer as Maxim de Winter, and starring Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs. Danvers. I was beyond unimpressed when I watched the trailer four years ago. Also, the clips (of v. important scenes) that Netflix uploaded to garner interest in that mess were pure mediocrity.
FTR, I also did read the book sometime ago. IMHO, I prefer the adaptations over the novel (which I found kinda boring.)
* 1940 version
Famously directed by Alfred Hitchcock, with Lawrence Olivier as Maxim de Winter, Judith Anderson as Mrs. Danvers, and Joan Fontaine as the Second Mrs. de Winter. This film works on EVERY level. The plot, pacing, cinematography, acting, and casting are superb. It's also a highly entertaining movie that delivers suspense and DRAHMAHZ in equal parts.I feel it's a near perfect movie as far as I'm concerned.
The relationship between Maxim and the Second Mrs. de Winter is enjoyable because neither the viewer nor the Second Mrs. de Winter herself are privy to how Maxim REALLY feels abt Rebecca vs. the Second Mrs. de Winter until a scene late in the film. That uncertainty abt whether Maxim actually likes the Second Mrs. de Winter or if he's just using her to get over Rebecca is extremely well done.
On top of that, Judith Anderson's Mrs. Danvers is quite fearsome during her 1-on-1 scenes with the Second Mrs. de Winter. Their interactions are always off-balance. Mrs. Danvers is v. SRS BIZNESS abt the job of exalting Rebecca's (alleged) amazingness.
George Sanders as Jack Favel has a weirdly enticing mix of swarminess and cosmopolitan appeal that I find super amusing, IDK.
Do I have some critiques?
Maybe here and there. The ending is a little abrupt, imo. Like, certain problems have been resolved, but there are plenty of things still left hanging.
Is it worth watching?
Hell yeah! I think it's pretty accessible (at least in the US) since it's part of TCM's usual rotation. I've also seen it on all kinds of streaming sites (including YouTube) for free. It's a worthwhile movie, v. solid from beginning to end. I've watched it a lot of times throughout the years and have had a blast every single time. I'm giving it a 4.8 out of 5.
* The 1979 version
The BBC released a 4-episode miniseries that totals around 3 and 1/2 hours. Joanna David is the Second Mrs. de Winter, Anna Massery is Mrs. Danvers, and Jeremy Brett stars as Maxim de Winter.
Now, *sighs*, I'm at such odds with this version…
On the positive side, it has a long enough running time that certain scenes and characters have enough space to develop. Frex, there's a bit more of Mrs. Danvers and Beatrice (Maxim's sister). So, if you've watched the 1940 version and were left wanting for more, this version has ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD to touch upon everything.
One interesting moment is when the Second Mrs. de Winter calls Maxim out for constantly infantilizing her and minimizing her v. valid concerns abt classism. Maxim is taken aback and, to a certain degree, it's clear that he tries to correct himself from continuing to do that.
I also feel that Jeremy Brett as Maxim de Winter is abt 200 echelons below Lawrence Olivier. He's really good when the story requires him to be broody and snobbish. However, Brett's Maxim tends to snap a lot more often and is somewhat unrepentant abt his temper in a way that the other Maxim de Winters aren't. So, for the purpose of the story, he only really fits in with abt 50% of the plot. YMMV, etc.
Do I have some critiques?
I got a whole list...
1. The pacing - Since there's so much time, whether you watch it episode by episode or a full-run edit, this version drags quite often.
2. Jeremy Brett - As good as he is portraying the aloofness in Maxim de Winter's public persona, I never got the sense there was more beyond that. Even when he's supposed to be emotional, he still has this overall coldness that makes him unappealing as a romantic character.
3. The lack of chemistry between the leads - There are a few scenes where Brett and David are exchanging "I love yous" while kissing each other and there's ZERO PASSION or sweetness. I'd go as far as to say that this version of Maxim and the Second Mrs. de Winter were actually never compatible. This frustrated me cuz the series demands the viewer to believe that they have a "true love" type of thing going on, but… Hmm, they generate as much emotion as a pair of glasses next to a coffee maker, LOL.
4. Joanna David - She's pretty good in the first two episodes while portraying the more insecure/mousy aspects of the Second Mrs. de Winter. But, during the second half of the story, when she's supposed to establish her presence in Manderley and solidify her bond with Maxim, she's not as convincing. At least not the way I've seen in other versions.
IDK, her whole presentation as the Second Mrs. de Winter is a combination of a wet blanket and a doormat. Or maybe a wet doormat? IDK.
5. Anne Massey - There's a sense that this Mrs. Danvers is hella obsessed with Rebecca and that's abt it? IIRC, it's not clear if she's in love or sexually attracted to her, so one has to just "go with the vibes", I guess. Also, she's not AS menacing as Judith Anderson was in the 1940 movie.
6. The gross CA and racism - I have NO idea why, but during the Manderley costume ball, there's a secondary character who is wearing brownface. It's v., v. obvious and, I gotta admit, distracting because of how blatant it is.
Also, there's one white female extra dressed as a Native American plus another male extra that's wearing blackface. Neither of them have speaking parts, but they do pop up here and there in the background.:|
7. Finally, the sets look cheap and I'm not a fan of the cinematography either.
Is it worth watching?
I mean, if you're a fan of Jeremy Brett OR if you've only watched him as Sherlock Holmes, this might be a treat. Also, if you're a fan of the book, this is a more faithful adaptation of the novel than the 1940 film.
As for myself, I first watched this around 5 yrs ago and then, once again this year for this post. FWIW, I don't foresee myself rewatching it in the future. I'm giving this one a 1.5 out of 5.
* The 1997 version
I first watched this on PBS when it aired there. It's a 2-episode miniseries totaling 3 hours. Emilia Fox is the Second Mrs. de Winter, Charles Dance is Maxim de Winter, and Dame Dianna Rigg stars as Mrs. Danvers.
Oh, and Faye Dunaway is Mrs. Van Hopper (the Second Mrs. de Winter's former employer). It was so random that my first thought was "what the hell is Faye Dunaway doing here?". I legit haven't seen her in anything for a long, long time.
This version is a happy medium between the highlights from the 1940 version and the thoroughness (in terms of plot) found in the 1979 version. There's a lot more Second Mrs. de Winter/Maxim scenes in Monte Carlo for one. It's pretty good in setting up the reason why they ended up together, how much they like each other, etc.
Charles Dance is an EXCELLENT Maxim de Winter. He carries the aloofness that's needed yet, at the same time, is warmer than Jeremy Brett and not as whiny as Lawrence Olivier, LOL.
Emilia Fox is aaaaalmost as good as Joan Fontaine. She's not AS naive as Joan was in the 1940 movie, BUT she has more personality than Joanna David had in the 1979 adaptation.
(Fun fact: Joanna David is Emilia Fox's mom IRL.)
The 1997 series does present a more accurate version of the book characters too. Frex, there's an obvious age gap between Maxim and the Second Mrs. de Winter. In the book, Maxim is 42 and the Second Mrs. de Winter is in her v. early 20s. Emilia Fox was 23 years old in this series, Charles Dance was 51.
(For contrast, in the 1940 version, Joan Fontaine was 23 while Lawrence Olivier was 33. (🙄). Olivier had enough makeup and hair styling to age him up. His portrayal also benefited plenty from the black & white cinematography in addition to his own impressive acting talent. He did project an aura of being way older than Joan Fontaine.
Meanwhile, in the 1979 version, Joanna David was 32 and Jeremy Brett was 46.)
ANYWAYS, Fox and Dance have a TON of chemistry. To the point that there are several scenes of them making out and in bed (with her being topless. Surprise boobs, y'all.) It's clear that they're in love and in lust. This is both a good AND a bad thing. I'll explain why in the critiques section.
Dame Dianna Rigg is not AS creepy as Judith Anderson was, but she's deffo better than Anne Massey. IMO, aside from her obsession with Rebecca, It's not clear what her true feelings for Rebecca are. Back when I first watched this series, I felt it was romantic. After rewatching it, I feel it's more maternal. IDK. Regardless, it was intense, weird, and it worked.
The pacing is good and the sets are classier too. Oh, and the ending is really good in how it has a softer landing that wraps the story up in a satisfying way.
Fun fact: this is the one version where Rebecca appears in flashbacks. The camera shows her eyes and mouth. There's a scene that's shot from far away that shows her face, but it's blurry. Plus there are two scenes that show Maxim's convos with Rebecca. These are good stylistic choices that made this production stand out.
Do I have some critiques?
Yeppers, I actually do.
1. Back when I mentioned that Maxim/the Second Mrs. de Winter are IN LURVE, they're also way more communicative than their 1940 and 1979 counterparts. Maxim is v. aware of his faults and asks for forgiveness in a way I didn't see the other Maxims do. Meanwhile, the Second Mrs. de Winter is more confident than the other versions.
The problem is that it makes a lot of the conflicts between them moot. Their arguments feel v. staged because they've been getting along so well. Frex, the Second Mrs. de Winter's worries abt Maxim/Rebecca vs. herself/Maxim feel unsubstantiated. I blame the direction here since those scenes are part of the novel.
2. This version is way less dramatique than the 1940 version. That's a minus for me, but it might not bother other folks.
One instance is during the big reveal that has to do with the realities of Maxim and Rebecca's whole marriage.
In the 1940 version, there's a scene in which the Second Mrs. de Winter keeps pushing Maxim to 'admit that he's been in love with Rebecca this entire time'.
Maxim stiffens up and replies: "You thought I loved Rebecca? You thought that? I HATED HER!".
And it's SUCH a shock cuz EVERYTHING THE SECOND MRS DE WINTER AND THE VIEWERS thought abt Maxim's relationship with Rebecca was wrong. NGL, Olivier acts the fuck out of that moment. Hell, he's great during that entire sequence.
MOVING ON.
When that scene happens in the 1997 version, Charles Dance says the same lines, but it's almost a throwaway comment. I was let down, NGL.
(FTR, in the 1979 version, it's pretty ridiculous because Jeremy Brett can't make that scene feel real. IDEK, y'all.)
/END OF SPOILER/
3. I never felt any gothic vibesss in this version. Dame Diana Rigg did bring some of the spookiness cuz she's that great of an actress. And there was some camerawork (whenever the story had to focus on Mrs. Danvers) that helped a little. Howevah, it wasn't enough to bring it to the level of the 1940 version.
Is it worth watching? Yes. Although it's not as awesome as the 1940 film, it's way above the 1979 version. Also, if you've only watched Charles Dance and Dame Dianna Rigg in Game of Thrones, they're really good here too. I'm giving this one a 3.5 out of 5
My current ranking:
1.1940 movie in first place - Tremendously entertaining. A true classic.
2 1997 miniseries in second place - Good all throughout.
3.1979 miniseries - all the way at the bottom. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Despite the latter two adaptations being more in tune with the novel, it's interesting that none of the versions are super faithful to the canon w/r/t something that is another really big spoiler
The manner of Rebecca's death.
In the 1940 film, Maxim tells the Second Mrs. de Winter that he and Rebecca had a v. tense argument that culminated in a struggle. Rebecca trips, falls, hits her head against a ship's tackle, and dies. This is different from the novel. Though, like the other Maxims, he does hide her body, stresses out abt anyone finding out his marriage to Rebecca was a sham, etc.
The 1979 series does follow the events of the novel. Maxim shows up at the seaside cottage all pent up abt Rebecca's dalliances, has an argument with her, and shoots her.
No idea why, but the 1997 series goes a little into OTT territory. Maxim goes to the cottage, has a back-and-forth with Rebecca, he loses his temper, and ends up strangling her.
Out of the three, Charles Dance is the least remorseful abt the murder (he even says so!). Emily Fox lacked a bit of the range she needed to display how conflicted the Second Mrs. de Winter had to be feeling abt this frank of a confession. Even wilder (considering what her husband just told her) is that the v. next scene is of them in bed post-coitus. Okay, then!
In the 1979 version, Jeremy Brett seems to feel guilty, but it's not specified whether it's abt Rebecca, acknowledging that he'd been fooled by her, the marriage or something else. What makes it weirder is that the Second Mrs. de Winter's reaction is muted, though she bounces back quickly.
Lawrence Olivier makes it v. clear that Maxim feels horrendously guilty abt Rebecca's death even though, technically, it was an accident. The way that Joan Fontaine plays the Second Mrs. de Winter's reaction to the confession is a bit lulzy as she goes from a brief moment of shock to sheer happiness.
She's SO relieved that Maxim never loved Rebecca so I guess everything's fine. 🙃
/END OF SPOILER/
Even though I've searched everywhere, I was only able to watch the first 3 or so minutes of the 1962 version starring James Mason as Maxim de Winter. This one was part of a TV anthology thing. I gotta say I wasn't super impressed with the set up (which changed the setting from Monte Carlo to a cruise ship on its way to England.) Also, it summarized the entire first third of the story, i.e. the Second Mrs. de Winter and Maxim's courtship.
There's a 1966 Turkish movie called Kıskanç Kadın that I have no access to (without getting a subscription to a streaming site. Which, like, no, thanks, LOL. I'm not THAT invested.)
Another version is an Italian, 2-part miniseries called Rebecca, la prima moglie that's abt 2 and a half hours long. Unfortch for me, the only version I've been able to find has Italian and Russian subtitles. I don't know either language so there we are.
Additionally, there's a 2009 Pakistani drama called Noorpur Ki Rani that is inspired by the novel. That one is abt 23 episodes total. What I have read abt it feels like it's far removed from the source material, IMO.
Finally, I'm ignoring the 2020 Netflix adaptation with meh (imo) actress Lily James as the Second Mrs. de Winter, POS bitchass armie hammer as Maxim de Winter, and starring Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs. Danvers. I was beyond unimpressed when I watched the trailer four years ago. Also, the clips (of v. important scenes) that Netflix uploaded to garner interest in that mess were pure mediocrity.
FTR, I also did read the book sometime ago. IMHO, I prefer the adaptations over the novel (which I found kinda boring.)
* 1940 version
Famously directed by Alfred Hitchcock, with Lawrence Olivier as Maxim de Winter, Judith Anderson as Mrs. Danvers, and Joan Fontaine as the Second Mrs. de Winter. This film works on EVERY level. The plot, pacing, cinematography, acting, and casting are superb. It's also a highly entertaining movie that delivers suspense and DRAHMAHZ in equal parts.I feel it's a near perfect movie as far as I'm concerned.
The relationship between Maxim and the Second Mrs. de Winter is enjoyable because neither the viewer nor the Second Mrs. de Winter herself are privy to how Maxim REALLY feels abt Rebecca vs. the Second Mrs. de Winter until a scene late in the film. That uncertainty abt whether Maxim actually likes the Second Mrs. de Winter or if he's just using her to get over Rebecca is extremely well done.
On top of that, Judith Anderson's Mrs. Danvers is quite fearsome during her 1-on-1 scenes with the Second Mrs. de Winter. Their interactions are always off-balance. Mrs. Danvers is v. SRS BIZNESS abt the job of exalting Rebecca's (alleged) amazingness.
George Sanders as Jack Favel has a weirdly enticing mix of swarminess and cosmopolitan appeal that I find super amusing, IDK.
Do I have some critiques?
Maybe here and there. The ending is a little abrupt, imo. Like, certain problems have been resolved, but there are plenty of things still left hanging.
Is it worth watching?
Hell yeah! I think it's pretty accessible (at least in the US) since it's part of TCM's usual rotation. I've also seen it on all kinds of streaming sites (including YouTube) for free. It's a worthwhile movie, v. solid from beginning to end. I've watched it a lot of times throughout the years and have had a blast every single time. I'm giving it a 4.8 out of 5.
* The 1979 version
The BBC released a 4-episode miniseries that totals around 3 and 1/2 hours. Joanna David is the Second Mrs. de Winter, Anna Massery is Mrs. Danvers, and Jeremy Brett stars as Maxim de Winter.
Now, *sighs*, I'm at such odds with this version…
On the positive side, it has a long enough running time that certain scenes and characters have enough space to develop. Frex, there's a bit more of Mrs. Danvers and Beatrice (Maxim's sister). So, if you've watched the 1940 version and were left wanting for more, this version has ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD to touch upon everything.
One interesting moment is when the Second Mrs. de Winter calls Maxim out for constantly infantilizing her and minimizing her v. valid concerns abt classism. Maxim is taken aback and, to a certain degree, it's clear that he tries to correct himself from continuing to do that.
I also feel that Jeremy Brett as Maxim de Winter is abt 200 echelons below Lawrence Olivier. He's really good when the story requires him to be broody and snobbish. However, Brett's Maxim tends to snap a lot more often and is somewhat unrepentant abt his temper in a way that the other Maxim de Winters aren't. So, for the purpose of the story, he only really fits in with abt 50% of the plot. YMMV, etc.
Do I have some critiques?
I got a whole list...
1. The pacing - Since there's so much time, whether you watch it episode by episode or a full-run edit, this version drags quite often.
2. Jeremy Brett - As good as he is portraying the aloofness in Maxim de Winter's public persona, I never got the sense there was more beyond that. Even when he's supposed to be emotional, he still has this overall coldness that makes him unappealing as a romantic character.
3. The lack of chemistry between the leads - There are a few scenes where Brett and David are exchanging "I love yous" while kissing each other and there's ZERO PASSION or sweetness. I'd go as far as to say that this version of Maxim and the Second Mrs. de Winter were actually never compatible. This frustrated me cuz the series demands the viewer to believe that they have a "true love" type of thing going on, but… Hmm, they generate as much emotion as a pair of glasses next to a coffee maker, LOL.
4. Joanna David - She's pretty good in the first two episodes while portraying the more insecure/mousy aspects of the Second Mrs. de Winter. But, during the second half of the story, when she's supposed to establish her presence in Manderley and solidify her bond with Maxim, she's not as convincing. At least not the way I've seen in other versions.
IDK, her whole presentation as the Second Mrs. de Winter is a combination of a wet blanket and a doormat. Or maybe a wet doormat? IDK.
5. Anne Massey - There's a sense that this Mrs. Danvers is hella obsessed with Rebecca and that's abt it? IIRC, it's not clear if she's in love or sexually attracted to her, so one has to just "go with the vibes", I guess. Also, she's not AS menacing as Judith Anderson was in the 1940 movie.
6. The gross CA and racism - I have NO idea why, but during the Manderley costume ball, there's a secondary character who is wearing brownface. It's v., v. obvious and, I gotta admit, distracting because of how blatant it is.
Also, there's one white female extra dressed as a Native American plus another male extra that's wearing blackface. Neither of them have speaking parts, but they do pop up here and there in the background.:|
7. Finally, the sets look cheap and I'm not a fan of the cinematography either.
Is it worth watching?
I mean, if you're a fan of Jeremy Brett OR if you've only watched him as Sherlock Holmes, this might be a treat. Also, if you're a fan of the book, this is a more faithful adaptation of the novel than the 1940 film.
As for myself, I first watched this around 5 yrs ago and then, once again this year for this post. FWIW, I don't foresee myself rewatching it in the future. I'm giving this one a 1.5 out of 5.
* The 1997 version
I first watched this on PBS when it aired there. It's a 2-episode miniseries totaling 3 hours. Emilia Fox is the Second Mrs. de Winter, Charles Dance is Maxim de Winter, and Dame Dianna Rigg stars as Mrs. Danvers.
Oh, and Faye Dunaway is Mrs. Van Hopper (the Second Mrs. de Winter's former employer). It was so random that my first thought was "what the hell is Faye Dunaway doing here?". I legit haven't seen her in anything for a long, long time.
This version is a happy medium between the highlights from the 1940 version and the thoroughness (in terms of plot) found in the 1979 version. There's a lot more Second Mrs. de Winter/Maxim scenes in Monte Carlo for one. It's pretty good in setting up the reason why they ended up together, how much they like each other, etc.
Charles Dance is an EXCELLENT Maxim de Winter. He carries the aloofness that's needed yet, at the same time, is warmer than Jeremy Brett and not as whiny as Lawrence Olivier, LOL.
Emilia Fox is aaaaalmost as good as Joan Fontaine. She's not AS naive as Joan was in the 1940 movie, BUT she has more personality than Joanna David had in the 1979 adaptation.
(Fun fact: Joanna David is Emilia Fox's mom IRL.)
The 1997 series does present a more accurate version of the book characters too. Frex, there's an obvious age gap between Maxim and the Second Mrs. de Winter. In the book, Maxim is 42 and the Second Mrs. de Winter is in her v. early 20s. Emilia Fox was 23 years old in this series, Charles Dance was 51.
(For contrast, in the 1940 version, Joan Fontaine was 23 while Lawrence Olivier was 33. (🙄). Olivier had enough makeup and hair styling to age him up. His portrayal also benefited plenty from the black & white cinematography in addition to his own impressive acting talent. He did project an aura of being way older than Joan Fontaine.
Meanwhile, in the 1979 version, Joanna David was 32 and Jeremy Brett was 46.)
ANYWAYS, Fox and Dance have a TON of chemistry. To the point that there are several scenes of them making out and in bed (with her being topless. Surprise boobs, y'all.) It's clear that they're in love and in lust. This is both a good AND a bad thing. I'll explain why in the critiques section.
Dame Dianna Rigg is not AS creepy as Judith Anderson was, but she's deffo better than Anne Massey. IMO, aside from her obsession with Rebecca, It's not clear what her true feelings for Rebecca are. Back when I first watched this series, I felt it was romantic. After rewatching it, I feel it's more maternal. IDK. Regardless, it was intense, weird, and it worked.
The pacing is good and the sets are classier too. Oh, and the ending is really good in how it has a softer landing that wraps the story up in a satisfying way.
Fun fact: this is the one version where Rebecca appears in flashbacks. The camera shows her eyes and mouth. There's a scene that's shot from far away that shows her face, but it's blurry. Plus there are two scenes that show Maxim's convos with Rebecca. These are good stylistic choices that made this production stand out.
Do I have some critiques?
Yeppers, I actually do.
1. Back when I mentioned that Maxim/the Second Mrs. de Winter are IN LURVE, they're also way more communicative than their 1940 and 1979 counterparts. Maxim is v. aware of his faults and asks for forgiveness in a way I didn't see the other Maxims do. Meanwhile, the Second Mrs. de Winter is more confident than the other versions.
The problem is that it makes a lot of the conflicts between them moot. Their arguments feel v. staged because they've been getting along so well. Frex, the Second Mrs. de Winter's worries abt Maxim/Rebecca vs. herself/Maxim feel unsubstantiated. I blame the direction here since those scenes are part of the novel.
2. This version is way less dramatique than the 1940 version. That's a minus for me, but it might not bother other folks.
I'M GOING TO SPOIL A HUGE THING TO BETTER EXPLAIN WHAT I MEAN
One instance is during the big reveal that has to do with the realities of Maxim and Rebecca's whole marriage.
In the 1940 version, there's a scene in which the Second Mrs. de Winter keeps pushing Maxim to 'admit that he's been in love with Rebecca this entire time'.
Maxim stiffens up and replies: "You thought I loved Rebecca? You thought that? I HATED HER!".
And it's SUCH a shock cuz EVERYTHING THE SECOND MRS DE WINTER AND THE VIEWERS thought abt Maxim's relationship with Rebecca was wrong. NGL, Olivier acts the fuck out of that moment. Hell, he's great during that entire sequence.
MOVING ON.
When that scene happens in the 1997 version, Charles Dance says the same lines, but it's almost a throwaway comment. I was let down, NGL.
(FTR, in the 1979 version, it's pretty ridiculous because Jeremy Brett can't make that scene feel real. IDEK, y'all.)
/END OF SPOILER/
3. I never felt any gothic vibesss in this version. Dame Diana Rigg did bring some of the spookiness cuz she's that great of an actress. And there was some camerawork (whenever the story had to focus on Mrs. Danvers) that helped a little. Howevah, it wasn't enough to bring it to the level of the 1940 version.
Is it worth watching? Yes. Although it's not as awesome as the 1940 film, it's way above the 1979 version. Also, if you've only watched Charles Dance and Dame Dianna Rigg in Game of Thrones, they're really good here too. I'm giving this one a 3.5 out of 5
My current ranking:
1.1940 movie in first place - Tremendously entertaining. A true classic.
2 1997 miniseries in second place - Good all throughout.
3.1979 miniseries - all the way at the bottom. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Despite the latter two adaptations being more in tune with the novel, it's interesting that none of the versions are super faithful to the canon w/r/t something that is another really big spoiler
HERE'S ANOTHER BIG SPOILER
The manner of Rebecca's death.
In the 1940 film, Maxim tells the Second Mrs. de Winter that he and Rebecca had a v. tense argument that culminated in a struggle. Rebecca trips, falls, hits her head against a ship's tackle, and dies. This is different from the novel. Though, like the other Maxims, he does hide her body, stresses out abt anyone finding out his marriage to Rebecca was a sham, etc.
The 1979 series does follow the events of the novel. Maxim shows up at the seaside cottage all pent up abt Rebecca's dalliances, has an argument with her, and shoots her.
No idea why, but the 1997 series goes a little into OTT territory. Maxim goes to the cottage, has a back-and-forth with Rebecca, he loses his temper, and ends up strangling her.
Out of the three, Charles Dance is the least remorseful abt the murder (he even says so!). Emily Fox lacked a bit of the range she needed to display how conflicted the Second Mrs. de Winter had to be feeling abt this frank of a confession. Even wilder (considering what her husband just told her) is that the v. next scene is of them in bed post-coitus. Okay, then!
In the 1979 version, Jeremy Brett seems to feel guilty, but it's not specified whether it's abt Rebecca, acknowledging that he'd been fooled by her, the marriage or something else. What makes it weirder is that the Second Mrs. de Winter's reaction is muted, though she bounces back quickly.
Lawrence Olivier makes it v. clear that Maxim feels horrendously guilty abt Rebecca's death even though, technically, it was an accident. The way that Joan Fontaine plays the Second Mrs. de Winter's reaction to the confession is a bit lulzy as she goes from a brief moment of shock to sheer happiness.
She's SO relieved that Maxim never loved Rebecca so I guess everything's fine. 🙃
/END OF SPOILER/