“There is no going back in life, no return, no second chance. I cannot call back the spoken word or the accomplished deed.”
― Daphne du Maurier, My Cousin Rachel
Walking into the cinema...
Is revenge ever the answer?
Russelling Reviews:
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
The name Daphne Du Maurier may not be familiar to modern audiences, but she was the author responsible for many cinematic classics. Besides penning My Cousin Rachel, she was the brilliantly twisted mind behind Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca and The Birds. She is one of the most celebrated English authors of the 20th century and is being reintroduced to a new generation of fans of period mysteries. It is understandable why director Roger Michell (Hyde Park on the Hudson) would chose to remake the 1952 Henry Koster film. With Rachel Weisz (A Light Between Oceans) playing the enigmatic femme fatale, the story and her character is too tantalising for any director to pass up.
Philip Ashley (Sam Claflin) has been raised by his uncle Ambrose Ashley since the death of his parents at a young age. Their existence in the countryside of England breeds a certain masculinity and loyalty that makes Ambrose’s illness and needed retreat to the seaside of Italy difficult for the young country gentleman. Then when Philip hears of the death of his mentor and that the circumstances around his passing are suspicious, the young man must investigate. He finds that Ambrose had married Rachel (Weisz) while in Europe and that she may have been the one behind his demise. When she arrives at the doorstep of young Philip, his initial reaction is to enact his own version of revenge. Then he is taken aback by her beauty and her enticing demeanour which leads to a decision to pursue her as opposed to rejecting her, but is this the best thing for his mental and physical health?
This film is a fascinating combination of genres and may satisfy the appetites of the Jane Austin crowd, as well as the those who love a good murder/mystery. For fans of the rolling countryside and contemplative dialogue, Du Maurier’s writing style provides all of the trappings that is expected in the drama, romance and tension of this era. The beautifully twisted relationships and the world of the country gentleman is a marvellous stage for the performances of Weisz and Claflin. The Academy Award winning actress shows her ability to take on any role and make it her’s. Claflin goes from strength to strength, from his excellent performance in Thier Finest to this period piece, he is proving to be more than a pretty face. Reminiscent of the scenario in Far from the Madding Crowd, where a seemingly strong character gets seduced into unbelievable circumstances that effect everyone within their relational orbit, Du Maurier’s version provides the passion with mysterious undertones that add a slight tension to the whole story.
The curious death of Ambrose Ashley provides the catalyst for another level of dramatic strain. Outside of the relational hurdles throughout the journey, this linchpin element is what will ensure audiences will be continually uneasy from the beginning to the end. Claflin’s haunting narration sets the tone for the film and delivers enough concern for the well being of his character to hold onto the end. Weisz proves to strike the balance between seductress and noblity that makes it difficult to determine her true intentions. This continual tension gives a potentially dull script the energy that is needed to keep the hearts of the audience throughout the journey. Between the performances of the central characters and well-crafted storyline, My Cousin Rachel is a disturbingly fascinating gem that proves why this novel has stood the test of time.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is desperately wicked... My Cousin Rachel proves that the human condition has not changed throughout history. In this microcosm of the human experience, Daphne du Maurier proves that the line between good and evil is a very fine line. This perplexing experience is wonderfully played out in the mind and heart of Philip Ashley by Sam Claflin, but could be anyone who is trying to find the answers to evil in this world.
It is evident throughout history or even by picking up the Bible that humanity may try to rise above the evil that is deep in their hearts, but continually fails. This could lead many to a level of depression, especially when evil infiltrates their lives. What are we to do? What is the answer?
Interestingly, the answer can be found in something that may seen as exceptionally horrific. At the heart of the biblical message the answer to the wickedness of humanity is found in a man who is executed during the Roman Empire. At first it may sound counterintuitive, but what has proven to be striking to many who study the backstory find it to be profound and life changing.
It is evident throughout history or even by picking up the Bible that humanity may try to rise above the evil that is deep in their hearts, but continually fails. This could lead many to a level of depression, especially when evil infiltrates their lives. What are we to do? What is the answer?
Interestingly, the answer can be found in something that may seen as exceptionally horrific. At the heart of the biblical message the answer to the wickedness of humanity is found in a man who is executed during the Roman Empire. At first it may sound counterintuitive, but what has proven to be striking to many who study the backstory find it to be profound and life changing.
The Story: The biographical accounts written by Luke
Trailer for film
Comments
Post a Comment