Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights is a magnetic adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, skillfully directed by Andrea Arnold in 2011. Set against the windswept, mud-caked moors of England, this visually arresting film is a moody and evocative period drama that explores the profound and tragic love story of Heathcliff and Catherine.

The film stars Kaya Scodelario as Catherine Earnshaw, the spirited daughter of a wealthy landowner. Scodelario gives a commanding and captivating performance, effectively instilling Catherine with a feisty temperament and an underlying vulnerability. Her portrayal adds depth to Brontë's character, exploring the contradictions of her character - the desire for freedom and her societal obligations.

In the role of Heathcliff, the film tells a bold narrative choice by Andrea Arnold, casting James Howson and Solomon Glave. The young Heathcliff is played by Solomon Glave, whose sensitive portrayal captures the character's initial innocence, and later, the emergence of his vindictive personality. As he ages, Heathcliff is portrayed by James Howson, who brings a sense of bitterness and conflict to his character.

Cinematographer Robbie Ryan captures the wild scenery of the English moors with a haunting beauty that wonderfully complements the raw emotions of the film. The film is reliant on natural lighting and minimal dialogue, a decision that magnifies the importance of visual storytelling and emphasizes the intense, unspoken feelings between the characters. The rugged landscapes become a backdrop to the turbulent emotions and complex relationships, the harsh winds mirroring the tempestuous nature of the central love story.

Arnold's adaptation doesn't mince words or actions when it comes to the brutal realities of life during this era. The vivid depictions of life in 19th Century rural England are unflinching, offering a glimpse into a world defined by class disparity and oppressive social norms. Despite this bleakness, the film is permeated with an underlying sense of passion and enduring love.

The film breaks from tradition by casting a black actor to play Heathcliff, a character often described as 'dark-skinned' in Brontë's novel. This decision, alongside other innovative narrative and stylistic tools, challenges the traditional storytelling norms and brings a refreshing twist to the novel.

One of the brilliant aspects of this film is the way it brings the period's social constraints to life. Heathcliff, the substitute son of the house is treated poorly and we sense an almost palpable tension between the classes. We are shown, quite clearly, the gulf between Heathcliff and Catherine, an insurmountable hurdle caused by their clashing social standings.

The performances of all the actors can't be praised enough. They portray their characters with such vulnerability and passion that it feels real. They are raw, passionate, and oftentimes brutal, echoing the unforgiving landscapes they inhabit. Yet there are moments of tenderness too, that shines through their hard exterior like a beacon, making their character's dilemma all the more heart-wrenching.

This incarnation of Wuthering Heights captures the essence of the original novel while infusing it with Arnold's signature realism and cinematic artistry. At times challenging, it is an unconventional but undeniably powerful visualization of Emily Brontë's masterpiece, a tragic tale of passionate yet doomed love and its devastating consequences.

Music plays a sparse, but powerful role in the film. The lack of a traditional soundtrack further drives the raw, real emotions forward. Instead of orchestral swells or grand, emotional ballads, the soundtrack is dominated by the sounds of nature; the harsh winds of the moors, the gentle rustling of the leaves, and the quiet whisper of the rain.

Wuthering Heights is a provocative and visually striking film that is both challenging and rewarding. It's a decidedly unconventional take on a well-known story that's worth watching for its fresh, distinctive approach and memorable performances. It is a must-watch for any fan of Bronte's novel, or someone who enjoys intense period dramas with a touching, tragic love story at its core. This film is a pulsing, moving piece of cinematic art that brings Bronte's timeless story to life with a new and modern perspective.