Watch The Scapegoat

The Scapegoat, a 1959 British drama, is based on the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. Set in the 1950s, the story follows John Barratt (Alec Guinness), an English schoolteacher who is on vacation in France. After a chance encounter, he meets his doppelganger, Jean de Gué (also played by Guinness), a French aristocrat who has had enough of his privileged life and wishes to swap places with Barratt.

Barratt, who is fascinated by the idea of a new identity, agrees to the idea, and the two men swap clothes, passports, and identities. However, when he arrives at de Gué's estate, he soon realizes that his decision was a mistake. The family members--including de Gué's mother (Bette Davis) and his wife (Nicole Maurey)--are all problematic, and Barratt finds himself dealing with their heavy drama. He soon learns that de Gué has left the country, and he is forced to continue to act as the aristocrat.

As he navigates the complexities of his new life, Barratt becomes romantically involved with de Gué's daughter, Francoise (Irene Worth). He finds himself drawn more and more to the lifestyle of the aristocracy, but tension builds when he realizes that de Gué has not left the country willingly but was forced out following a scandal.

As time goes on, Barratt begins to feel guilty about his actions, and events begin to spiral out of control. The truth of the situation is eventually revealed, leading to a dramatic confrontation between de Gué's family and friends.

The film is a compelling study of identity, class, and moral responsibility. Alec Guinness delivers a powerful performance as both John Barratt and Jean de Gué, delivering two distinct and nuanced performances. Bette Davis is also standout as the domineering matriarch of de Gué's family, exuding an air of menace that keeps the audience on edge. The supporting cast, including Maurey and Worth, round out the film's strong ensemble.

The Scapegoat has a dreamlike quality to it, with elegant cinematography that highlights the picturesque French countryside and the opulent estates of the aristocracy. The film's use of mirrors and reflections is also a recurring motif, mirroring the dualities that run throughout the story. The film's score, composed by Bronislau Kaper, is similarly impressive, subtly underlining the increasingly tense atmosphere.

While The Scapegoat is not frequently discussed as a classic of its era, it remains an engrossing tale of deception and intrigue that stands up well today. The film's themes of identity and class remain as relevant today as they were over sixty years ago, and Guinness's performances are both memorable and thought-provoking. If you're a fan of classic dramas or enjoy films that explore the complexity of human nature, The Scapegoat is a must-see.

The Scapegoat is a 1959 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.