Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989) was a British author and playwright, best known for her gothic novels and suspenseful stories.
Born into a prominent artistic family, she started writing at a young age and quickly gained popularity. Some of her other notable works include Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, and My Cousin Rachel.
Du Maurier’s unique storytelling style and ability to create vivid, atmospheric settings have made her a celebrated author in the world of literature.
Don’t Look Now: A comprehensive book summary
Don’t Look Now is a collection of short stories by Daphne du Maurier, first published in 1971. The titular story follows John and Laura Baxter, a grieving couple who travel to Venice to recover from the tragic loss of their young daughter.
While in Venice, they encounter a pair of mysterious sisters, one of whom claims to have psychic abilities.
As the story unfolds, John and Laura become entangled in a web of supernatural occurrences and dark secrets that ultimately lead to a shocking, heart-wrenching climax.
Exploring the 1973 film adaptation by Nicolas Roeg
The 1973 film adaptation of Don’t Look Now was directed by Nicolas Roeg and starred Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie as John and Laura Baxter.
The movie is widely regarded as a psychological horror classic, thanks to its haunting atmosphere, innovative editing techniques, and powerful performances by the lead actors.
Some of the most memorable highlights include the eerie opening scene, the chilling encounters with the mysterious sisters, and the infamous love scene between John and Laura, which was considered groundbreaking for its time.
Comparing and contrasting the book and film
While both the book and film versions of Don’t Look Now share the same basic plot and characters, there are some notable differences between the two.
The film expands upon certain aspects of the story, such as the sisters’ psychic abilities and John’s growing obsession with the supernatural.
The ending is also altered, with the film offering a more ambiguous and open-ended conclusion that leaves viewers pondering the true nature of the events that transpired.
Parent guide: What to expect and age appropriateness
Don’t Look Now deals with mature themes, such as grief, loss, and the supernatural, and features some scenes of violence and sexual content.
The film is rated R, and the book is best suited for older teens and adults who can appreciate the complex themes and psychological elements of the story.
When and where Don’t Look Now takes place
Don’t Look Now is set in the early 1970s, primarily in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy.
The atmospheric setting of Venice, with its labyrinth of canals and narrow streets, plays a crucial role in the story, heightening the sense of mystery and unease that pervades the narrative.
A guide to the film locations and travel suggestions
For fans of Don’t Look Now, a visit to Venice offers the perfect opportunity to explore the locations featured in the film.
Some key sites to include on your itinerary are the Church of San Nicolí² dei Mendicoli, where John is working on the restoration of a mosaic; the Hotel Gabrielli, where John and Laura stay; and Piazza San Marco, where several pivotal scenes take place.
In addition, fans can also visit the nearby island of Torcello, where the climactic final scenes of the movie were filmed.
Who’s who: Main characters and their roles
- John Baxter (played by Donald Sutherland in the film) is an art restorer who becomes obsessed with unraveling the supernatural occurrences happening around him.
- Laura Baxter (played by Julie Christie in the film) is John’s wife, who is grieving the loss of their daughter and is drawn to the psychic sisters they meet in Venice.
- Heather and Wendy (played by Hilary Mason and Clelia Matania in the film) are the enigmatic sisters who claim to have psychic abilities and warn John and Laura of impending danger.
Memorable quotes and their significance
- “Nothing is what it seems.” This quote, spoken by Heather, underscores the central theme of Don’t Look Now: the deceptive nature of appearances and the difficulty of discerning the truth.
- “We’re like blind people without a guide dog.” This line, spoken by John, highlights the characters’ sense of disorientation and vulnerability in the face of the unknown.
Curiosities and easter eggs in the book and film
- In the film, the recurring motif of the red raincoat worn by the Baxters’ deceased daughter serves as a haunting reminder of their loss and foreshadows the story’s tragic conclusion.
- The film’s innovative editing techniques, such as the use of flashbacks and jump cuts, create a disorienting effect that mirrors the characters’ experiences.
Tips for cosplay and dressing like the characters
To cosplay as John Baxter, opt for a 1970s-style suit or blazer, paired with a button-down shirt, slacks, and dress shoes. For Laura Baxter, choose a stylish 1970s dress with a high neckline and long sleeves, accessorized with a pair of heeled boots and a shoulder bag. To emulate the mysterious sisters, wear vintage clothing with a touch of eccentricity, such as oversized hats, lace gloves, and dark sunglasses.
Understanding the ending: Explained
The ending of both the book and film versions of Don’t Look Now can be interpreted in various ways, with readers and viewers left to draw their own conclusions about the true nature of the events that transpire.
The story’s climax, in which John encounters a figure in a red raincoat who he believes to be his deceased daughter, serves as a shocking and poignant reminder of the dangers of obsession and the limits of human understanding.
Possibilities of a remake, sequel, or spin-off
While there have been no official announcements regarding a remake, sequel, or spin-off of Don’t Look Now, the story’s enduring popularity and timeless themes make it ripe for reinterpretation. With the recent resurgence of interest in psychological horror and gothic fiction, it’s not difficult to imagine a contemporary filmmaker taking on the challenge of adapting this classic tale for a new generation.
Other notable works by Nicolas Roeg
Nicolas Roeg (1928-2018) was a British filmmaker known for his innovative and experimental approach to cinema.
Some of his other notable films include Performance (1970), Walkabout (1971), The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), and Bad Timing (1980).
Similar media to Don’t Look Now: Books, films, and TV shows
Fans of Don’t Look Now may also enjoy other works that explore themes of grief, the supernatural, and psychological turmoil, such as the books The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson and The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, the films Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and The Others (2001), and the TV series The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020).
Book club discussion questions and conversation starters
- How does the setting of Venice contribute to the atmosphere and themes of Don’t Look Now?
- What role do the mysterious sisters play in the story, and how do their psychic abilities affect the events that unfold?
- How do John and Laura’s differing reactions to their daughter’s death shape their experiences in Venice and their relationship with each other?
- What is the significance of the recurring motif of the red raincoat, and how does it relate to the story’s themes of grief and obsession?
Conclusion
In conclusion, Don’t Look Now by Daphne du Maurier and its 1973 film adaptation offer a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of grief, obsession, and the limits of human understanding.
Both the book and film versions of the story have left a lasting impact on readers and viewers, thanks to their captivating settings, unforgettable characters, and innovative storytelling techniques.
For fans of gothic fiction and psychological horror, Don’t Look Now is a must-read and must-watch.
