Emerald Fennell’s bold adaptation of Wuthering Heights dazzles
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi showcase notable on-screen chemistry in Emerald Fennell’s audacious new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which opens with a shocking public hanging, blending elements of humor and grotesque extravagance with a modern twist, reports BritPanorama.
From the outset, Fennell’s version diverges sharply from Emily Brontë’s original text. The film, described as akin to Fifty Shades of Grey set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, tackles themes of sex, death, and the interplay of pain and pleasure, all while presenting a vibrant fashion narrative filled with milkmaid corsets, vintage Chanel, and latex. With such bold decisions, Fennell seemingly invites audiences to reconsider the purpose of remaking a literary classic.
This adaptation notably omits the novel’s second half, focusing instead on the tumultuous romance between Cathy (Robbie) and Heathcliff (Elordi). Their passionate and toxic relationship echoes the kind of daring material showcased in Bridgerton. Fennell places a significant emphasis on visual aesthetics and provocative imagery, aligning Cathy’s journey with a contemporary understanding of desire.
Young Cathy Earnshaw, portrayed by Charlotte Mellington, captivates as she navigates her complex relationship with Heathcliff, played as an adult by Elordi. Their intertwined fates are compounded by the troubled presence of Mr. Earnshaw, a character brought vividly to life by Martin Clunes. Within this dynamic framework, Cathy’s struggle for autonomy leads her into a controversial marriage with the affluent Edgar Linton, whose world stands in stark contrast to her own impoverished origins.
The film’s staging combines excessive rococo designs and fantastical elements with symbolic motifs, positioning Cathy in absurd environments filled with whimsy and personal significance. In this surreal world, the emotional weight intensifies when Heathcliff returns, embodying a visceral need for connection amidst their shared history.
Fennell’s direction maintains a sharp sense of humor throughout, employing clever visual gags and double entendres that juxtapose the serious with the silly. The portrayal of sadomasochistic themes is explored with an eye towards humor as well, injecting a modern sensibility into the historical narrative.
While Fennell’s adaptation is visually stunning and engaging, questions linger about the depth of emotional exploration. Despite the film’s comedic elements and aesthetic appeal, a more profound inquiry into the legacy of characters like Mr. Earnshaw and the complexities of love could elevate the narrative.
In cinemas from 13th February
