Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights Adaptation Changes Spark Debate Among Fans

Emerald Fennell's new Wuthering Heights movie is very different from the book, with 19 changes noted. This has caused a big discussion among fans and critics.
By Newsroom | Movies, Literature |

The release of Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" has ignited a lively discussion among critics and audiences. The film's divergence from the original novel, particularly in its portrayal of characters and thematic focus, has drawn both praise for its bold reinterpretation and criticism for straying from established literary interpretations. At the heart of the debate are questions surrounding the film's artistic license and its impact on the enduring legacy of "Wuthering Heights."

In the age of the ‘rough sex defence’, Emerald Fennell’s treatment of Wuthering Heights’ Isabella Linton is grotesque - 1

The narrative of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" has captivated readers for generations, often understood as a tale of tempestuous love, wild passion, and profound tragedy. When Emerald Fennell announced her intention to adapt this classic, the literary world buzzed with anticipation. Fennell, known for her distinct directorial style, promised a maximalist "bodice-ripper," suggesting a film that would embrace the story's intense emotions and dark undertones.

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In the age of the ‘rough sex defence’, Emerald Fennell’s treatment of Wuthering Heights’ Isabella Linton is grotesque - 2

Character Portrayals and Casting

A significant point of contention in Fennell's adaptation is the casting and portrayal of key characters, most notably Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.

In the age of the ‘rough sex defence’, Emerald Fennell’s treatment of Wuthering Heights’ Isabella Linton is grotesque - 3

  • Heathcliff: While the novel presents Heathcliff as a complex figure, some critics feel Fennell's version, played by Jacob Elordi, leans towards a more superficial "pouty man-candy" with a "shaky Yorkshire accent," as noted by Kevin Maher of The Times. Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw. This casting choice, along with the decision to have white actors play Heathcliff, has been noted, contrasting with discussions about seeking original works from filmmakers of color.

  • Catherine Earnshaw: In a notable departure, Catherine Earnshaw is depicted as blonde in Fennell's film, a change from the novel's description of her as canonically brunette. This visual alteration has been a talking point, with some suggesting Brontë herself would "absolutely rolling in her grave."

Thematic Interpretation: Romance or Cautionary Tale?

Fennell's adaptation has also prompted a re-examination of the core themes within "Wuthering Heights," with differing views on whether the film prioritizes romance or serves as a cautionary narrative.

In the age of the ‘rough sex defence’, Emerald Fennell’s treatment of Wuthering Heights’ Isabella Linton is grotesque - 4

  • Romance vs. Intensity: While "Wuthering Heights" is often perceived as a grand love story, the article from The Guardian suggests that it offers "tumult, tragedy and red flags" rather than healthy relationships. The film seems to lean into this all-consuming, potentially destructive aspect of love, prompting comparisons to a desire for something more intense than the "lacklustre dating scene" today.

  • Narrative Framing: The film's framing has led to questions about who the true villain is. Nelly Dean, often seen as a caretaker, is also viewed by some as a manipulative figure who shapes the narrative to her own advantage. Fennell's own interjections of opinion and emotion within the retelling also leave the reliability of her version open to interpretation.

Artistic Choices and Critical Reception

Fennell's distinctive directorial approach, often described as "maximalist," is evident in her interpretation of the novel, leading to a polarized critical response.

  • Superficiality vs. Depth: Some critics, like The New Yorker, find the film "extravagantly superficial," suggesting it "never plumbs the depths" of the original text. The film is seen by some as more focused on making a bold visual statement than on exploring the intricate psychological landscape of the characters.

  • Loyalty to the Source: Other reviews express disappointment, with one reviewer from Collider feeling that Brontë "is absolutely rolling in her grave." This sentiment highlights a concern that the adaptation sacrifices literary fidelity for stylistic choices. The film's ending, for instance, shows Heathcliff lying beside Cathy's corpse, a scene not present in the original novel.

Divergence from the Novel

Beyond character portrayals and thematic emphasis, Fennell's adaptation introduces numerous changes that set it apart from Emily Brontë's original work.

  • Character Alterations: Several characters from the novel are either omitted or significantly altered. For example, Linton Heathcliff, described as the "insipid and sickly son" in the book, appears to be a less prominent or differently characterized figure in the film. The film also makes changes to the circumstances surrounding Heathcliff's return, with motives described as falling "somewhere between revenge and reclamation."

  • Narrative Structure: The film's overall narrative structure and pacing have been adjusted, with 19 changes noted from the book, impacting everything from character introductions to the story's conclusion.

Expert Analysis

Film critics have offered varying perspectives on Fennell's vision.

"Fennell's maximalist bodice-ripper instead embodies the story the Promising Young Woman and Saltburn filmmaker felt she experienced when she first read Wuthering Heights at age 14." — TIME

"Fennell has 'doomed Elordi with a fatally shallow characterisation, recasting Heathcliff as pouty man-candy with a shaky Yorkshire accent.'" — Kevin Maher (The Times), via BBC News

"Brontë 'is absolutely rolling in her grave.'" — Therese Lacson (Collider), via BBC News

Conclusion

Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" is a film that clearly provokes strong reactions. Its deviations from the source material, particularly in character portrayal and thematic focus, have divided critics and audiences alike. While some appreciate Fennell's bold reinterpretation and her effort to explore the story's darker, more intense aspects, others lament the perceived loss of depth and fidelity to Emily Brontë's original vision. The film's success in capturing the essence of "Wuthering Heights" while offering a fresh perspective remains a subject of ongoing debate. The adaptation prompts a broader conversation about the role of artistic license in literary retellings and how classic stories are perceived and reinterpreted for contemporary audiences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights movie causing debate?
The movie changes many parts of the original book, like how characters are shown and what the story is about. This has made some people happy and others unhappy.
Q: How are the characters different in the new Wuthering Heights movie?
Jacob Elordi plays Heathcliff, but some critics say he seems too shallow and his accent is not good. Catherine Earnshaw is shown as blonde, not brunette like in the book. The casting of white actors for Heathcliff has also been discussed.
Q: Does the movie focus on romance or a warning?
The movie seems to show love as very intense and possibly bad, like a warning. Some people think this is a reaction to today's dating scene, while others feel it's too different from the book's original message.
Q: What are some other big changes in the movie adaptation?
The movie has 19 changes from the book. Some characters are missing or changed, and the ending is different. For example, Heathcliff is shown next to Cathy's dead body, which is not in the book.
Q: What do critics say about the movie's style?
Some critics think the movie is too focused on looking good and is not deep enough, calling it 'extravagantly superficial.' Others feel it is too far from the original book and that Emily Brontë would not approve.