...art. I thought it was genius that the Joan Fontaine character was only known as "Mrs. de Winter" - as if she had no other identity outside of being attached to her husband. Not to mention the cast was - as they say today - "amazing". Especially Judith Anderson, who, I believe, played Mrs. Danvers. Easily one of Hitch's best work.
DAMM: Drunks Against Mad Mothers
I agree. I came to this film rather recently, well after seeing many other of Hithcock's films, and other than, i still suppose, Vertigo it has become my favorite of his.
But favorite kind of understates it. I find it extraordinarily suited to repeat viewings. The story, the acting, the cinemaphotography, the score, the sets and settings, all great.
Joan Fontaine's performance anchors the film, and imo is one of the single greatest film performances of all time. Some today find it somewhat mannered, but if one recognizes the more general approach used at the time, it was remarkably more naturalistic. For me her great beauty in what is such a treatment understating it only makes the film more fascinating (if a bit jarring in the disconnect between her asserted something less than great beauty, and her actual presence in the film).
The direction is also absolutely top notch. I can't think of a single flaw and to the contrary Hitch got it all essentially perfect.
One of the great films of film history. More should know about it.
Oh yes, having her known only as Mrs. de Winter was a stroke of genius. Judith Anderson was absolutely brilliant as Mrs. Danvers.
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💕 JimHutton (1934-79) and ElleryQueen 👍
Her names is never revealed in the book, as she narrates the story, and never mentions her name. At one point Mac says to her 'you have a very beautiful and unusual name' but that's the only clue we get.
shareHer names is never revealed in the book, as she narrates the story, and never mentions her name. At one point Max says to her 'you have a very beautiful and unusual name' but that's the only clue we get.
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