Patricia White (3) (1964–)

Rebecca by Patricia White is an excellent addition to the BFI Film Classics series. White manages to synthesize several approaches to the film while maintaining her focus on gender and sexuality issues.

While I never used this film in any courses I taught I did include it on lists of films for students to write on, and most semesters I would get at least one paper. The two times I covered Rebecca in courses I took complemented each other well (one was mostly focused on film technique and auteurship while the other was a film and women course) so this material was part review and a large part fresh perspective and insight. Though admittedly many of the film theorists mentioned were considered new at the time, or at least fairly recent, but that just shows how old I am.

While theorists are mentioned White does not get bogged down with jargon. When she uses a term or a theory she explains it well enough for any casual film lover to understand the point she is making. So in addition to film historians and theorists I would also recommend this book to those who like Rebecca and those who simply like to understand some of the production history and critical response to classic films. This is a well-researched a rigorous account but is not a difficult read nor is it meant only for academics.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (més)