How Did the Director of Wuthering Heights Capture Brontë's Primal and Sexual Themes?

This upcoming adaptation of *Wuthering Heights*, directed by Emerald Fennell, aims to capture the "primal" essence the filmmaker experienced when she first read Emily Brontë's classic as a teenager. Featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, the film promises a unique blend of gothic style and emotional depth, with a release date set for Valentine’s Day 2024.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Emerald Fennell seeks to evoke the emotional intensity she felt as a teenager reading *Wuthering Heights*.
• The film stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff.
• Fennell has described the book as both "sexy" and "devastating," reflecting its complex themes.
• The adaptation will preserve much of Brontë's original dialogue while introducing new elements.
• Wuthering Heights is set for release on 14 February 2024.

The Vision Behind the Adaptation

In a recent talk at the Brontë Women's Writing Festival in Haworth, West Yorkshire, Emerald Fennell shared her vision for her adaptation of *Wuthering Heights*. The Oscar-winning director, known for her critically acclaimed film *Promising Young Woman*, expressed her desire to translate the visceral feelings she experienced at age 14 into a cinematic form. Fennell described this emotional journey as "primal" and "sexual," underscoring the raw intensity of Brontë's narrative.

Fennell’s Connection to the Source Material

Fennell's connection to *Wuthering Heights* runs deep. "It cracked me open," she recalled of her first encounter with the text. The book’s complex characters and themes left a lasting impression on her, leading to a lifelong obsession. She described the story as "difficult" and "complicated," stating, "It's completely singular. It's so sexy. It's so horrible. It's so devastating."

The Challenges of Adapting a Classic

Adapting *Wuthering Heights* has been both a thrilling and daunting task for Fennell. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with such a beloved work. "If somebody else made it, I'd be furious," she admitted. This sentiment reflects the personal nature of the material, as many readers have their own intimate interpretations of Brontë's characters.

Fennell also noted the inherent challenges in interpreting a story filled with "an enormous amount of sado-masochism." The book's controversial themes shocked readers upon its publication in 1847, and Fennell is keenly aware of the need to handle such content thoughtfully. "It's been a kind of masochistic exercise working on it because I love it so much, and it can't love me back," she explained, revealing the emotional turmoil that comes with the adaptation process.

Decisions on Casting

The casting choices for *Wuthering Heights* have sparked discussions, particularly regarding Margot Robbie's portrayal of Catherine Earnshaw. At 35, Robbie is older than the character, who is depicted as a teenager in the book. Fennell defended her choice, highlighting Robbie's unique qualities that resonate with the character's spirit. "She is the type of person who, like Cathy, could get away with anything," Fennell stated.

Jacob Elordi's casting as Heathcliff also raised eyebrows, as Brontë originally described him as "dark-skinned." Fennell, however, found Elordi strikingly reminiscent of the illustrations she grew up with. "He looked exactly like the illustration of Heathcliff on the first book that I read," she revealed, indicating that visual representation was a key factor in her choice.

Maintaining Brontë's Voice

Despite the film's modern interpretations and additions, Fennell is committed to preserving the essence of Brontë's dialogue. "I couldn't better it, and who could?" she remarked, emphasising the brilliance of Brontë's writing. This dedication to authenticity aims to honour the original text while enriching it with a contemporary perspective.

What to Expect from the Trailer

The recently released trailer for *Wuthering Heights* has generated excitement and debate among fans. With a heightened gothic style, it features visually striking imagery, including suggestive scenes that hint at the film's erotic undertones. Fennell's ability to evoke tension and intimacy is apparent, making it clear that this adaptation will not shy away from the complex emotions that define Brontë's work.

Release Date and Anticipation

*Wuthering Heights* is set to hit cinemas on 14 February 2024, coinciding with Valentine's Day. This timing suggests that Fennell is keen to explore the dark side of love and passion, making it an intriguing choice for the romantic holiday. With anticipation building, fans of the novel and new audiences alike are eager to see how Fennell's vision unfolds on the big screen.

Final Thoughts

Emerald Fennell's adaptation of *Wuthering Heights* promises to be a bold and emotionally charged interpretation of Emily Brontë's literary classic. By blending her personal connection with the source material and her unique cinematic style, Fennell aims to create a film that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers. As the release date approaches, the excitement surrounding this adaptation continues to grow, raising questions about how it will redefine a beloved narrative for a modern audience.

FAQs

When will *Wuthering Heights* be released?

*Wuthering Heights* is scheduled for release in cinemas on 14 February 2024, coinciding with Valentine's Day.

Who stars in the new adaptation of *Wuthering Heights*?

The film stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, bringing a fresh perspective to these iconic characters.

What themes will be explored in the film?

Emerald Fennell's adaptation aims to explore themes of primal love, emotional intensity, and the complexities of human relationships, staying true to the original novel's darker elements.

Will the film retain the original dialogue from the book?

Yes, Fennell is determined to preserve much of Emily Brontë's original dialogue, as she believes it is some of the best writing ever produced.

What has Emerald Fennell said about her connection to the book?

Fennell has expressed a deep emotional connection to *Wuthering Heights*, stating it "cracked me open" and has driven her obsession with the story throughout her life.