Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ is certainly not Wuthering Heights
Emerald Fennell’s take on Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, “Wuthering Heights,” is generating discussion, and the stylistic choice of including quotation marks in the title is deliberate. The film is not presented as a traditional adaptation, but rather as a re-creation of memory, reflecting Fennell’s experience reading the book as a teenager.
A Stylized Reinterpretation
The film stars Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Catherine in a visually striking, though emotionally restrained, retelling of their doomed love story. However, the changes made to the source material haven’t been universally praised, with some critics suggesting the film misinterprets the original novel or, at worst, ceases to be a faithful adaptation of Wuthering Heights at all.
Fennell’s approach appears less focused on translating Brontë’s story and more on provocation, a characteristic noted in her previous work, including the Bad Cinderella Broadway adaptation. The film’s opening scene, involving a public hanging and unsettling imagery, exemplifies this approach.
Casting Choices and Their Implications
The casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff has also drawn scrutiny. While previous adaptations have featured white actors in the role, Brontë’s original description suggests a character whose appearance was distinctly “other” – “as dark almost as if it came from the devil” – and who lamented not having “light hair and a fair skin.”
According to reports, Fennell intentionally removed this aspect of the character in order to cast Elordi, stating she cast the character “she imagined when she read it.” This decision has sparked debate, as the character’s perceived difference in appearance was, according to some analyses, integral to his position on England’s social ladder and his subsequent drive for revenge.
Narrative Shifts and Thematic Concerns
Beyond casting, the film significantly alters the narrative structure of the novel. The central romance between Heathcliff and Catherine is expanded, overshadowing other plotlines and reducing the rest of the story to a more melodramatic version of the original. The novel’s broader themes of social hierarchy, revenge, and the allure of death are, according to the analysis, diminished in importance.
The film’s approach differs from other adaptations that, while taking liberties with the source material, still retain its core themes. For example, O Brother Where Art Thou adapted Homer’s Odyssey without the writers having read it, and Damon Lindelof’s Watchmen series was pitched as a “remix” of the original graphic novel. Fennell’s film, however, appears to prioritize a personal interpretation over a thoughtful engagement with Brontë’s message.
What Could Happen Next
The reception of “Wuthering Heights” could influence Fennell’s future projects. A negative response might lead to more cautious adaptation choices, while a positive reception could encourage further experimentation. It is also possible that the film will spark renewed interest in Brontë’s original novel, prompting audiences to revisit the source material and form their own interpretations. The film’s performance at the box office and critical response will likely shape the conversation surrounding adaptations and the balance between faithfulness and artistic license.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the quotation marks around the title?
The quotation marks are a deliberate stylistic choice, indicating that this is not a traditional adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel, but rather a re-creation of the director’s personal experience reading it.
What changes were made to the character of Heathcliff?
The character’s original description, suggesting a distinctly “other” appearance, was removed, and Jacob Elordi was cast based on the director’s personal vision of the character.
How does this adaptation differ from other adaptations of “Wuthering Heights”?
This adaptation prioritizes a personal, stylized interpretation over a faithful retelling of the story, focusing heavily on the romance between Heathcliff and Catherine to the detriment of other themes and plotlines.
Given the significant departures from the source material, do you think an adaptation can truly be considered successful if it fundamentally alters the core message of the original work?