Podcast Reviews: Rebecca

 

Starring: * Christopher Cazenove as Maxim de Winter

Janet Maw as the second Mrs. de Winter

Rosalie Crutchley as Mrs. Danvers

Length: 72 minutes

When I listen to a podcast like this one, I close my eyes to imagine new worlds, guided by the narrative voices. In some ways, it is better than a movie; I find myself paying closer attention to the dialogue and the atmospheric background noise. I felt like a figure in a painting, silently observing the actions as they unfolded.

While the plot is similar to the novel, I experienced much more intense emotions here. The most striking element is the voice of Rosalie Crutchley (Mrs. Danvers). Her voice is reassuring and persuasive, yet simultaneously cold and determined, always appearing when you least expect it.

Thanks to these actors, I truly felt the presence of Rebecca, especially inside the boathouse. Everything there has remained intact, much like the room in the west wing, but the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks is deeply unsettling. I associated that sound with the "voice" of Rebecca, which causes Maxim de Winter to quarrel with his second wife. This is the climax of the story, where Rebecca’s true nature is dramatically revealed.