Directors always set themselves up for failure when in a brazen show of bravado they undertake to remake a masterpiece. Anyone who has seen the 1940 film will be disappointed with this one for the primary reason that it is simply too sunny and chipper. The emotional depth of the original is complete lost here, some of which was in fact created through the use of black and white. Something about technicolor does not lend itself well to film noir... Yes, the scenes are well composed and photographed, but the characters all seem sort of emotionally flat. Maybe they're all on Prozac? Rather than seeming (and seething) evil, Mrs. Danvers just seems like your run-of-the-mill bitter spinster.
I should say that if I had not seen the masterpiece from 1940, I might have given this a slighter higher rating. But I did, so I won't.
I should say that if I had not seen the masterpiece from 1940, I might have given this a slighter higher rating. But I did, so I won't.