1. Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier
Daphne du Mauriers 1938 classic Rebecca has one of the best-known opening lines in literature: Last night I dreamt I went to Manderlay again This eerie and gripping first sentence characterises the novel: a story of obsession and jealousy, wracked with suspense, Rebecca is incredibly modern and just crying out to be made into a modern movie. The novel tells the tale of a nameless American narrator, only ever known as the second Mrs de Winter, who, after becoming the wife of a wealthy English widower, proceeds to become obsessed with the thought of his dead first wife, Rebecca. Famously brought to cinemas in 1940 as an Alfred Hitchcock directed, Oscar-winning film, the story has been absent from the big screen since. An updated, twenty-first century set version of Rebecca would be easily achieved; little would need updating in order to make the movie relevant to a modern audience. The character of Rebecca, dead before the novel begins and only ever seen through the eyes of others, appears to be the epitome of perfection. Apparently beautiful and well-liked, Rebecca seems to have been superior to the narrator in every way. A modern-day version of Rebecca could easily be envisaged in today's celebrity-obsessed world. Ultimately, the novels psychological drama is what we believe would make it such a successful twenty-first century film. Combining romance, horror, crime and suspense, it could be brilliantly rebooted as a well-acted and entertaining modern movie. Agree with these suggestions? Do you have another favourite classic novel youd like to see remade as a present-day set film? Let us know in the comments below: