If you’re looking for a movie to watch over the weekend (and let’s face it, if it gets hot, the air con in cinemas is nice) then I thoroughly recommend My Cousin Rachel.
I’m a huge du Maurier fan – even the BBC’s recent Mumbly Inn was full of brooding atmosphere, while Rebecca has to have one of the most compelling first pages ever written – so My Cousin Rachel was a must. I read the book, years ago, and vaguely remember a troubling, dream-like state of confusion. What I’d forgotten was all the lust and downright misunderstanding, while the role reversal had sailed right over my head.
I also loved the moody rustic setting, the beautiful house most of the action was set in, and the glimpses of Italy looking suitably hot, exotic and untrustworthy.
I don’t want to give anything away, so suffice to say I’m still not sure where the blame lies, and I think that’s the mark of a very successful story. Go and see it, you’ll love it.
Seen it advertised on TV and definitely want to see it. Kay and I love smouldering period films and plays. I used to count the Hitchcock version of Rebecca as one of my favourite films of all time with the haunting performance of Mrs Danvers.
Oh in that case, this has your name on it! Definitely heavy on the smoulders. I loved the Laurence Oliver Rebecca, not sure if that was the Hitchcock? I’m off to check on Google now…