Film Overview"The Scapegoat" is a thrilling and dramatic movie released in 1959. The film, based on the 1957 novel of the very same name by eminent British author Daphne du Maurier, is directed by Robert Hamer and produced by Michael Balcon. The movie set in France, stars a histrionic cast, including Alec Guinness, Bette Davis, Nicole Maurey and Irene Worth.
Plot SynopsisAlec Guinness plays a double role, first as the English School instructor John Barratt and the French aristocrat and count Jacques De Gué. The movie follows the surprisingly complicated storyline where Barratt, on a French vacation, satisfies De Gué, who ends up being his precise physical doppelgänger. The count is a deeply out of favor figure amongst his own household and annoyed with his own life, he presents Barratt to his household under the incorrect pretense of a traditional reunion and subsequently disappears.
Barratt awakens the next morning to discover himself trapped in the count's life. The situation becomes a lot more frustrating as he understands that the count's life is at danger, and he needs to browse through a menagerie of hatred and risk, not sure whom to trust. The drama magnifies when he is forced to deal with De Gué's mother (Bette Davis) who understands that he isn't her son, Béla, De Gué's spouse (Irene Worth) who's on the verge of having a worried breakdown, and the Frenchwoman (Nicole Maurey) with whom the count was having an affair.
Unique Aspects"The Scapegoat" stands apart due to its absorbingly thrilling plot where the lead character assumes a strangely immersive double role. The movie maintains a sense of suspense through the naturalistic drama and a complex interconnected series of family relationships. The film effectively captures the cultural and class differences between Barrett, a modest English schoolteacher, and De Gué, an upscale, high-born Frenchman.
Secret Performances Alec Guinness provides a stellar efficiency in his double role as John Barrett in addition to Jacques De Gué, wonderfully illustrating the essence of two extensively various characters. His portrayal of the 2 different characters distinctively highlights their plain distinctions. Bette Davis, as De Gué's eccentric mother, provides an equally impressive performance which includes the perfect quantity of intrigue to the plot. The supporting actors likewise deliver convincing performances, fleshing out the count's inefficient household compellingly.
Critical Reception Although "The Scapegoat" didn't get any significant awards, it was nominated for a BAFTA in 1959. The movie got acknowledgment for its intriguing plot, excellent performances and the appealing concept of impersonation and doppelgänger. Even so, it was less successful at the box office, which has actually been credited to the darker undertones of the plot.
Conclusion"The Scapegpoat" is a neatly-packaged thriller drama that blends thriller, character development and a series of twists and turns. Its captivating plot, integrated with exemplary performances by Alec Guinness and the rest of the ensemble, make for a mesmerizing cinematic experience. Even after 6 years, the film still manages to hold its significance and suspense, making it a timeless look for thriller lovers.
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