In the Best Byronic Tradition, “Wuthering Heights” is a Story of Gothic and Tragic Love Like Only the English Could Create
Reading Time: 7 minutes
“Wuthering Heights” in a nutshell …
*”Wuthering Heights” is a film adaptation of the classic novel of the same name by Emily Brontë. The author tells the story of two captivating characters: Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Childhood friends who become lovers, they are separated by social circumstances that ultimately lead to tragic consequences.
Catherine is the youngest daughter of the Earnshaw family, who live on the estate called Wuthering Heights. Her older brother, Hindley, was eight years old when she was born.
A few years later, her father goes on a trip and returns with an orphaned boy who seems to have a Gypsy origin. The boy begins living with them, stirring mixed feelings in the two siblings — his name was Heathcliff.
Cathy, as she is called, grows fond of the boy, but her brother Hindley feels jealous of the affectionate way their father treats him. When Mr. and Mrs. Earnshaw die, the older brother becomes responsible for the estate and starts mistreating Heathcliff.
Years later, despite her love for Heathcliff, Cathy chooses to marry Edgar Linton, a young man from a wealthier family who can provide her with a more comfortable and prestigious life. Heathcliff leaves, heartbroken, but returns years later wealthy and determined to take revenge on all those who wronged him.*
Technical Details
“Wuthering Heights” (2011)
Original Title: “Wuthering Heights”
Movie Duration: Approximately 129 minutes
Director: Andrea Arnold
Cast
Kaya Scodelario (Catherine Earnshaw), Shannon Beer (young Catherine), James Howson (Heathcliff), Solomon Glave (young Heathcliff)
Awards
The film received recognition at various film festivals, including Best Director at the Venice Film Festival in 2011.
Analysis of “Wuthering Heights”
“The story of Wuthering Heights came to me through an inspired scene in which actor Luís Melo, playing Mister Rubinho (in Cara & Coroa, a 1995 soap opera by Rede Globo), narrated the tragic tale of an impossible love, very similar to the storyline of his own character. A theater actor, Melo knew how to bring all the depth and brilliance to that small but fantastic scene. And so, the seed was planted within me, a young reader passionate about great stories. I devoured the more than five hundred pages of that gothic novel, and I never forgot the emotions I experienced while reading Emily Brontë’s tragic story.
Many years later, I discovered the film adaptations of the book, but it took me a long time to gather the courage to watch any of them. I was afraid they would take away the vivid images I had of each character in my mind. But in 2011, a new version was released, promising to revisit the original concepts of the book, and that caught my attention. I now had in my hands a version that challenged what I knew about the book. I thought, then, that I could finally sacrifice a bit of my own experience in favor of something truly new.”
Production
The 2011 version of the classic Wuthering Heights, directed by Andrea Arnold, offers a contemporary and innovative take on the classic story of love and revenge, focusing on the tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. What initially sets this version apart from others is its visceral and naturalistic approach, less romantic than previous adaptations but still faithful to the text that inspired it. The cinematic experience emphasizes the brutality and raw passion of the original novel, which had already been adapted for the screen several times from other perspectives.
In the 2010s, a wave of films and TV series aimed to reinvent classic stories for contemporary audiences, exploring timeless themes in new ways. This film was shot primarily in rural Yorkshire, UK, where the original novel is set. The choice of location was crucial in capturing the dark, stormy atmosphere essential to the narrative.
The use of real locations significantly contributes to the film’s authenticity and sense of isolation. Yorkshire’s moors and farmlands serve as the perfect setting, with severe, unpredictable weather adding an extra challenge for the characters. Robbie Ryan, the cinematographer, employs handheld cameras to create a sense of intimacy and constant movement, mirroring the characters’ emotional instability.
The film’s soundtrack and sound design also stand out. Instead of a traditional score, Arnold uses natural sounds—wind, rain, footsteps on leaves—to create a sense of immediacy and immersion, making the environment itself feel like a character.
Historical Context
The story of Wuthering Heights takes place in rural England, roughly in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This period was marked by significant social and economic changes, with the Industrial Revolution beginning to transform both the landscape and people’s lives. However, the novel and the film primarily focus on personal lives and human relationships, remaining distant from these broader economic shifts, highlighting an isolated and timeless rural setting. Practical elements, such as the origin of Heathcliff’s fortune, are left aside as they are not central to the plot.
Similar to The Count of Monte Cristo by the French author Alexandre Dumas, Emily Brontë’s book centers on the main plot by bestowing wealth upon a humiliated and betrayed character, reversing power dynamics within the story. However, while the story of Edmond Dantès is filled with adventure and offers a chance for redemption, Heathcliff’s tale is dark and destructive.
The mystery surrounding the origin of his wealth only adds to Heathcliff’s danger, as there is no indication of what he may have done to obtain it. Yet, his actions upon his return make it clear that he would stop at nothing to exact the revenge that burned within his soul. These intense, consuming passions are the hallmark of Emily Brontë’s novel.
Differences in the 2011 Version
One of the primary innovations in the 2011 film is the portrayal of Heathcliff by Solomon Glave and James Howson, two Black actors, breaking from the traditional casting of a white actor for this role. This choice emphasizes the themes of otherness and social exclusion present in the novel, adding a new interpretive layer to the story.
The relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine, portrayed by Shannon Beer and Kaya Scodelario, is shown with an intensity that underscores the primal nature of their love and hate, aligning closely with Brontë’s original depiction.
Reception of the Film
The film was well-received for its bold, innovative approach, though it sparked controversy due to its stylistic deviations from previous adaptations and its casting choices. The performances, especially Solomon Glave and James Howson’s portrayal of Heathcliff, were praised for adding new depth to the character.
Andrea Arnold’s direction was lauded for capturing both the brutality and beauty of Brontë’s story, using cinematography and sound editing to evoke strong sensory responses that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Final Thoughts
The 2011 adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” is a daring, innovative take on Emily Brontë’s classic. Released during a time of renewed interest in literary adaptations, the film stands out with its visceral, naturalistic style, unconventional casting choices, and focus on the original story’s raw passion and brutality.
Filmed in Yorkshire’s moors, the authentic setting heightens the narrative’s emotional intensity. With bold direction and impactful performances, the film offers a fresh perspective on a timeless romance, highlighting themes of love, revenge, otherness, and the profound influence of the environment on the characters.
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