A More Intense Rebecca: A comparative textual analysis of female representation in Rebecca (1940) and Rebecca (2020)

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyse how the representation of female characters in Rebecca (2020) differs from Rebecca (1940). This is done by analysing the textual form of both films using the neofomalist approach. This thesis first establishes how Rebecca (2020) can be seen as a remake of Rebecca (1940), thereby validating a comparison. In addition the thesis will provide an overview of literature already written on the female characters in Rebecca (1940), including the work of Tania Modleski and Mary Ann Doane. Furthermore a working definition of the concept of “agency” will be given. This thesis aimed to answer its research question by using three sub-questions. Those subquestions aimed to find the difference in agency and relationships regarding the female characters. In addition a shot-by-shot analysis provided insight in how the camerawork and mise-èn-scene differ in both films and how this contributes to the representation of the female characters. The analysis in this thesis has shown that there is a notable difference in the representation of the female characters. This is due to an increase of agency for both the protagonist and the character of Mrs. Danvers in Rebecca (2020). Furthermore are the relationships in both films mostly similar, however the feelings are expressed more intensely in Rebecca (2020), which results in slight differences. These are also caused by the characters getting more agency. The camerawork was found to add more suspense and uneasiness to the scenes in Rebecca (2020), which again leads to the sense of bigger feelings. The addition of two scenes in Rebecca (2020) also adds to the protagonist feeling more envy and anxiety for Rebecca. The main contributor to the changes in Rebecca (2020) is the intensification of the feelings of all the characters. The female characters in Rebecca (2020) are more assertive than in Rebecca (1940), and they owe this to their more intense feelings.