Wuthering Heights on HBO

[d.anders]

Strange movie. Did not enjoy the story. Never read the book. At times, I felt like I was watching Frankenstein. Visually, it is interesting, but mostly dark. It could have been a vampire movie without blood. In many ways it is a vampire movie.

[sutherland]

I assume you're speaking of the 1939 film version with Laurence Olivier, which I've seen twice and I enjoy.  1939 was a banner year in the film industry - Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Wuthering Heights, and Bette Davis as Elizabeth I

[jeezifonly]

This is Emerald Fennell's (I loved Saltburn!) take on the Brontë classic - I was forced to read the book in HS English Lit - didn't like it then, didn't care for the Olivier film, and the things I've seen and read about this film have confirmed my desire to stay away. 

[d.anders]

1 hour ago, sutherland said:

I assume you're speaking of the 1939 film version

Not at all. Emerald Fennell's 2026 version just hit HBO. Hard to believe it grossed $241.7 million worldwide against an $80 million budget. Considering the movie is mostly about mad love and mad lust, there is no nudity. Not even an ass crack. Makes no sense to me. Although I have to say, I don't think nudity would have saved this story, but it would have been fun to see Jacob Elordi do full frontal. This was the perfect vehicle for it. Considering the story takes place in 1790's, Elordi could have had a full bloom of pubic hair, and both actors could have smelled to high heaven.

Edited Tuesday at 11:10 PM by d.anders

[TonyDown]

11 hours ago, jeezifonly said:

This is Emerald Fennell's (I loved Saltburn!) take on the Brontë classic - I was forced to read the book in HS English Lit - didn't like it then, didn't care for the Olivier film, and the things I've seen and read about this film have confirmed my desire to stay away. 

I also read the book in high school.   

I like Jacob Elordi, but Emerald Fennell is not my jam.   I watched Wuthering Heights on HBO. 

[d.anders]

I've been watching some movie critiques on YouTube. Social Media did not love this film. There are a few comments that align with my thoughts and impressions.

The movie is striking to watch. The artists and creators who created this dark world did a fantastic job. The lighting, the set design, the clothing, the fabrics, the color palate, the cinematography; all spellbinding.

Much to my surprise, Margot Robbie is miscast. Not only does she look too old for the part, she is too old.

I did not realize that the Heathcliff in the book is described as darker skinned, and one production cast him as Black. I did not care that Jacob Elordi is white, but I can understand why the book lovers were opinionated about his being cast.

The actors playing the younger parts were terrific. I was pleased to see Owen Cooper.

Alison Oliver, from Saltburn, was terrific as Isabella. Hong Chau was terrific as Nelly.

Martin Clunes was great as Cathy's father.

 

[Rod Hagen]

Movie was dumb and beautiful.

Highschool teachers should not assign that book.  It's a masterwork, but the only kids who read it should be kids who feel compelled to read it and for the rest of us it's better later in life, we're better able to understand years-long all-consuming furious anger.  

[d.anders]

4 hours ago, Rod Hagen said:

Highschool teachers should not assign that book.

I think I agree with that. True love can be a seriously mature subject. Crazy lust is no easier to teach. The late 1700's was a crazy time to live and have sex. The idea of a "great love story" has changed dramatically.