‘Bored by all the sex and violins’: readers on Wuthering Heights film | Wuthering Heights

‘Charlie XCX music evoked the spirit of the book’

My group of six English teachers, ages 30 to 54, watched the movie on Friday. We’re still processing our thoughts in the group chat. We agreed that the visuals were often pleasantly shocking. We talked about the contrasts between the flamboyant costumes and the prairie landscape, which we think Fennell got right. We talked about how well the Charlie XCX music evoked the landscape and spirit of the book.

We were amused by the sex scenes and agreed that Brontë would have written some if she had written in a different time… but Fennell failed to develop the emotional longing and connection. Instead it was reduced to something stupid. We complained that Fennell (our beloved unreliable narrator) turned Nellie into a conniving villain, and the film seemed to overlook the supernatural elements of the book; If Fennell wanted to shock us, she could have shown the scene where Heathcliff digs up Cathy’s body!

We appreciate Fennell’s combination of the characters of Heathcliff and Hareton. [Earnshaw] To make him more likeable, we thought he forgot what he was doing when he got caught up in her awfulness – there’s no consistency. But combining Earnshaw and Hindley’s characters was great. This made sense. Of course we will discuss this in the coming weeks. Sarah Campbell, 46, Denver, Colorado

‘The book’s characters are unlikeable, and Fennell retained that essence’

When I heard there was a Wuthering Heights movie starring Margot Robbie, no less! – I knew I had to read the book. Since English is not my first language, I struggled with Joseph’s interventions as he translated the Brontë speech. I had to read it out loud to understand what he was saying (and I live in Yorkshire!). The film was marketed as “the ultimate love story,” but Emily’s story was more about obsession and revenge.

I was pleasantly surprised by the movie. I don’t think any of the book characters were likable, and Fennell maintained that essence. Additionally, most of the book is told from Nelly’s point of view, and she is an unreliable narrator. This is not represented in the film, probably because it wouldn’t make sense given the plot changes. I saw the movie the night it was released and the theater room was packed; This is something that doesn’t happen very often these days; So, despite some valid criticisms, I think the film is a good watch. Júlia Fachinetti, 25, Sheffield

’21st century spotlight everywhere’

I’m a fan of 19th century gothic literature and Kate Bush. However, I tried to read Wuthering Heights twice but failed. The dense language and long, dark paragraphs left me cold. I may try again after watching the movie. I found it to be almost completely absorbent. “Almost” because the ridiculous costumes and set pieces completely eliminated the intensity of the characters, story, and locations; these people and places were full of passion and drama, there was no need to overdo them for an eager audience! I think it could have been completely dark, gloomy, and impressive if Fennell hadn’t decided to throw 21st century light everywhere. Rachel Mountney, 48, Ireland

‘Those who think this is a love story are out of their minds’

I had previously stayed away from Wuthering Heights due to its reputation for being complicated. When I heard that Emerald Fennell was adapting it, I decided to pick it up. I think everyone agreed, because they were surprised that the second-hand bookstore had suddenly sold out of all its copies. My book club also decided to read it and had the biggest turnout ever.

I was very happy that the book was so dark. It had a very modern feel with its depiction of unbridled anger and unabashed use of blood and violence. I had to pause occasionally to orient myself because the narrative within the narrative can be jarring, but it was a lot of fun. Anyone who thinks this is a love story is out of their mind. It’s about traumatized people who hate each other and think obsession is romance. Great.

Before watching the movie, I was ready to call all the naysayers snobs, but I thought it was pretty weak. There was no harmony between Cathy and Heathcliff, and I was bored with all the making love and violins. Some parts were hilarious – Isabella’s [Linton] For example, I liked the introduction – and the surrealism, but it had no coherence. Heathcliff’s personality was toothless. So why was Wuthering Heights (house) built in Mordor? Cassidy Ellis Salter, 34, London

‘I think Fennell is a little afraid of going completely wild’

Emerald Fennell is an instinctive director. You will be able to enjoy the movie if you watch it as a “gothic romance”. But as an English literature nerd and teacher, I hate it when people come away from this thinking they’ve seen Wuthering Heights! Maybe just a horny gothic story would have sufficed, even if it wasn’t called that.

To be fair, the idea that the movie is a teenage version of the book is well done – Cathy’s dramatic, sexy montage – this is pure, teenage fan fiction. It is also interesting that Heathcliff is sometimes presented as a peripheral character rather than a true main character. I don’t think Fennell was being as harsh as she could have been in showing their obsession with each other. As for the smut factor, this was totally designed for the BookTok girls and honestly, I think the director could have gone even further! I think he was a little afraid of going almost completely wild. Still, the gender-implied visuals were clever.

I liked the movie, but those who go and read the book now will be disappointed; Isabella’s character was underrated and Linton was too good. The soundtrack was amazing; probably the best thing about it. The teacher in me thinks that if it encourages someone to read the book, that’s a win. As long as people realize that this version is a reinterpretation or reimagining. Melanie Downs, Toowoomba, Australia

‘Too much emphasis is placed on costumes and simple symbolism.’

I first read Wuthering Heights when I was a teenager in the 80s. I’ve always said it was my favorite book. I’m not sure I fully understand this, but the idea of ​​cursed lovers on the harsh moors was compelling to my teenage, hormonal self. The characters all had their place and told their own stories. Kate Bush sparked even more interest: after Kate’s theater performance on Top of the Pops, all British girls wanted to be Cathy and longed for their own version of Heathcliff.

I haven’t gotten over the disappointment of the movie yet. There is a lot of emphasis on costumes and simple symbolism. The opening scene at the execution was good and Martin Clunes was excellent. But I grew bored of the movie and Margot Robbie’s distractingly lavish costume changes. He was too “Hollywood” for the role. I had to leave 10 minutes early to avoid a parking ticket and I didn’t mind missing the end. Richelle Buckingham, 58, Newcastle

‘I don’t think there was a thriving BDSM scene in Haworth at the time.’

It’s been at least 20 years since I last read Wuthering Heights, but the film’s shortcomings have led me to re-read it. The book is hot, twisted and confused. It is fascinating that Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship is initially tender, but begins to twist following Catherine’s stay at Thrushcross Grange, and eventually becomes passionately cruel after Heathcliff’s return.

The movie was a whole different beast. It was an interesting choice to combine some characters and events. The childhood actors nearly overshadow the adult leads. You could say that the S&M element of the film is suggested in the book: the central relationship is in the pursuit of pain rather than pleasure – although I don’t think there was a thriving BDSM scene in Haworth at the time. But Isabella’s fireside scene was clearly artistic indecency.

Jacob Elordi captured Heathcliff’s thoughtful attitude perfectly. But a blonde Catherine? Heresy! That said, Margot Robbie does a good job. There were times when I felt like I was watching a series of music videos rather than a coherent narrative, perhaps reflecting the messiness of the central relationship. I have no doubt that the film reflects the director’s vision, but it felt a little empty to me. Gerard O’Doherty, 62, Clevedon, North Somerset