Rebecca (1940/1997/2020) side-by-side comparison

A side-by-side, shot-for-shot comparison between Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca (1940),1997 miniseries adaptation, the 2020 Netflix film. Based on the book by Daphne du Maurier.

[loveshell]

I watched Hitchcock's version years ago. I remember being so impressed with the leading lady's acting skills. She portrayed the anxiety and the innocence so well.

[xcgensttsnegcx]

Rebecca 1940 can't even be touched by the rest.... it was just simply magnificent.

[bdarci]

It is a credit to Joan Fontaine that she could play "plain" while being so lovely. Her sis had the same ability.

[Bonapartist]

Waxman's score in the 1940 original is priceless and timeless.

[caffeinatedinsomniac]

I'm sorry to Armie Hammer fans, but nobody can hold a candle to the Max de Winter of Laurence Olivier.
Damn, he was gorgeous.
Also, Hitchcock's Rebecca was about a hundred times better than any other version. It gives the viewer the same sense of apprehension and has the same ominous air as the book portrays. If any of you haven't already seen it because it's black and white (apparently such people exist), go and watch it! You're missing out on a masterpiece by a genius director and cast.

[angelp]

1940 had MGM throwing money, gorgeous black and white photography, one of greatest director at helm, one of greatest actor playing Max (God he was good looking), Joan Fontain nailed it as awkward bride along with unblinking Mrs Danver who chills at the suicide scene. This one is classic for reason. That score and atmosphere make the whole thing so alive. This is dish that came together and can only be replicated as inferior. Acting is only part of what makes movie great.

[rociomiranda]

I know it's a matter of taste, but Olivier had this elusive, aloof, mysterious quality and the art of acting with his eyes. And Charles Dance is imposing, full of authority. Armie Hammer looks like a kid next to them. And does he really have to wear that suit? As for the women, Judith Anderson and Joan Fontaine defined their roles once and forever. Anderson's Mrs. Danvers became an archetype. Maybe it's just that actors used to be stronger presences in the past.

[lorenzopetrucci]

You can't beat Alfred Hitchcok. That's a fact

[cpiano]

Many thanks to Matt Skuta for such fine editing of the three movies allowing us to compare the different production styles. All three looked beautiful but the 1940 version stirs the passion in me.

[Adyfilk]

The film was made in 1940 and yet it still looks fresh. Even the acting is far superior, Judith Anderson didn't even blinked her eyes once, in the 1940 version.

[susansweeney]

Lawrence Olivier and Joan Fontaine cannot be beaten.

[nunyacarrie]

The original is to the remake what Rebecca was to everybody: Superior, out of reach and competition.

[elmstreetish]

There's something about the first appearance of the evil maid in the 1940 version that strikes me as so Hitchcock.

[Montrealmum]

3 seconds in on if it ain't broken don't fit it L. Olivier .... best actor ever

[warai-san]

I watched the 1940 version first and it became one of my favorite movies! I love the 1940 version 🖤

[denisefreitas]

Rebecca 1940 is a masterpiece, Hithcock is a genious. 1997 is OK. 2020, totally forgettable.

[enigmaticallyso]

What about the 1979 version? I love Jeremy Brett as Maxim...

[CountryCowboy]

As someone who's in love with films and yet to discover more classic ones, I enjoy the 2020 Rebecca. Thanks to them, I get to unearth another classic gem that is the original version. Although I'm still in love with the 2020 version (mainly because of Lily James). Stop the hate to the remakes just to make you look like you're superior than anyone else.

[URGettingSleepy]

excellent! really enjoyed all three movies (not to mention the book) and now your video. thanks for making this!

[tamaragonzalez]

They can not beat the 1940 Rebecca movie ever, .