Wuthering Heights Director Regrets Cutting Margot Robbie's Unshaven Armpit Scene

Director Emerald Fennell said a scene showing Margot Robbie's unshaven armpits was cut from the new Wuthering Heights movie. This detail was meant to show historical accuracy.
By Newsroom | Film, Arts & Culture |

Unfortunate Removal of 'Extremely Hairy Armpits' Scene, Says Director

Director Emerald Fennell has expressed regret over the exclusion of a scene from her film adaptation of Wuthering Heights that featured star Margot Robbie's character with visibly unshaven armpits. Fennell stated it was "unfortunate" the scene, which she had filmed, did not make the final cut. This element, she suggested, was intended to offer a historically plausible detail, contrasting with the typically smooth-skinned portrayal of women in many period dramas.

Wuthering Heights director Emerald Fennell says she regrets not showing star Margot Robbie's 'extremely hairy' armpits after the scene was cut from the film - 1

The director's comments highlight a tension between historical verisimilitude and conventional on-screen aesthetics, particularly concerning female bodies.

Wuthering Heights director Emerald Fennell says she regrets not showing star Margot Robbie's 'extremely hairy' armpits after the scene was cut from the film - 2

A Deliberate Artistic Choice

Fennell discussed the deleted scene at the Hay Festival in Wales on Friday evening, recounting her intent to capture a more authentic representation. She noted that many women in period films are depicted as "hairless like eels," a standard she aimed to subvert. The director mentioned that Margot Robbie had grown out her armpit hair for the role, a detail intended to align with the character's circumstances in the period drama.

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Wuthering Heights director Emerald Fennell says she regrets not showing star Margot Robbie's 'extremely hairy' armpits after the scene was cut from the film - 3

"They're all kind of hairless like eels. She revealed that one particular scene showed Margot's character displaying her unshaven armpits, admitting it was in contrast to many period films where women are often shown with clean-shaven underarms."

The film, which stars Robbie alongside Jacob Elordi, was released earlier this year. Fennell, who also penned the screenplay, has spoken previously about making distinct choices in her adaptation of the classic novel, drawing on her teenage memories of reading the book.

Wuthering Heights director Emerald Fennell says she regrets not showing star Margot Robbie's 'extremely hairy' armpits after the scene was cut from the film - 4

Broader Implications for Representation

The discussion around the cut scene touches upon larger conversations within Hollywood regarding female representation and beauty standards. The decision to depict such a detail, even if ultimately unseen by audiences, suggests a deliberate effort by Fennell to challenge prevailing norms about how women should appear on screen, particularly in historical settings.

The film also included other notable, and perhaps unconventional, elements. Fennell previously discussed a scene where Robbie's character puts her finger into the mouth of a dead fish, a detail that also underscored the director's willingness to embrace visceral and less conventionally attractive imagery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the director cut the scene with Margot Robbie's unshaven armpits from Wuthering Heights?
Director Emerald Fennell decided to cut the scene, stating it was unfortunate. She wanted to show historical accuracy, as many women in that period did not shave their armpits.
Q: What did the director say about the scene with Margot Robbie's armpits?
Emerald Fennell said the scene was filmed but did not make the final cut. She mentioned that Margot Robbie grew out her armpit hair for the role to show a more realistic portrayal of women in the past.
Q: What was the director's goal with the unshaven armpit scene?
The director's goal was to challenge the common portrayal of women in period films, who are often shown as completely hairless. She aimed for a more authentic and historically plausible look for the character.
Q: What other details did the director want to show in Wuthering Heights?
The director also previously discussed a scene where Margot Robbie's character puts her finger in a dead fish's mouth. These choices show her interest in using visceral and less conventionally attractive imagery to make the film more real.