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Andrea Arnold’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights stands out among the various attempts to bring Emily Brontë’s classic novel to the big screen. Unlike many others, Arnold successfully captures the bleak and hopeless atmosphere inherent in the original work. Contrary to the misconception that Wuthering Heights is primarily a love story, Arnold skillfully emphasizes its true themes of hatred and despair.
In her film, Arnold skillfully explores the tortured mind of Heathcliff, providing viewers with an empathetic perspective on his character. The narrative, which moves between past and present, unfolds the tale of the tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, spanning decades and driven by Heathcliff’s relentless pursuit of revenge against those who separated him from his love.
One notable aspect where many adaptations fall short is the misunderstanding of Wuthering Heights as a love story. Arnold, however, recognizes that the novel is, at its core, a narrative of hatred and despair. In contrast to the mostly detached narrators, each character in the story, aside from being mere bystanders, is depicted as despicable and challenging to sympathize with. Arnold adeptly transforms Brontë’s narrative into a haunting portrayal of guilt and deteriorating love, skillfully seen through the tormented perspective of Heathcliff.
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The Problem with Other Wuthering Heights Adaptations
Wuthering Heights has been deemed impossible to adapt since William Wyler’s 1939 version, which notably omitted the second half of the novel. The two halves, distinct in their focus—the first on the crumbling romance of Heathcliff and Cathy, and the second on Heathcliff’s vengeful pursuits—complement each other, culminating in a poignant conclusion that offers a glimmer of hope in the midst of tragedy.
The 1992 adaptation, starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, condenses the entire novel into under two hours but sacrifices the raw and brutal nature of Brontë’s narrative for a polished and sanitized version.
Despite various attempts over the years, none captured the freshness of Arnold’s 2011 interpretation. A modest indie film with lesser-known actors and a constrained budget, it wholeheartedly embraces the tumult that envelops the souls of these iconic characters.
What Makes Andrea Arnold’s Wuthering Heights So Unique
Arnold’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights breaks away from the common portrayal of the story as a primarily romantic tale, instead embracing the bleak and hopeless atmosphere that the original narrative truly embodies. Unlike the misconception that places the upsetting elements as secondary, Arnold emphasizes that the heart of the novel lies in themes of revenge, particularly rooted in the characters’ shared childhood experiences. The film conveys Arnold’s deep passion for the source material, yet it distinguishes itself by prioritizing its unique artistic expression over a faithful recreation of Brontë’s work, acknowledging the story’s individual value regardless of its status as a classic.
The book opts for a unique perspective by narrating the intense tale through secondary characters who are essentially bystanders. However, Arnold delves profoundly into Heathcliff’s inner turmoil in the film. To effectively convey his tormented emotions on screen, the movie relies heavily on handheld shots, creating a notably shaky visual experience. This deliberate choice allows the film to externalize Heathcliff’s unease with authentic rawness, often immersing the audience in his perspective through compelling POV shots.
The overarching theme of rawness aptly characterizes this rendition of Wuthering Heights. Arnold’s visceral approach extends beyond Heathcliff to establish a parallel between him and the harsh moorlands, a crucial element in the novel’s Gothic ambiance that has been overlooked in many adaptations. As Heathcliff and Cathy traverse the moors, the relentless howling of the wind combines with the camera’s unsteady movements, symbolizing the tumultuous emotions that disrupt the tranquility of these desolate landscapes.
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An Empathetic Look at Heathcliff
Arnold’s indie film adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” repositions Heathcliff as the central figure, portraying the story through his lens and inviting viewers to empathize with the character’s tumultuous journey. While some critics found the film too harsh, it is argued that such a portrayal is essential to remain faithful to Heathcliff’s perpetually distressed state.
A noteworthy departure from previous adaptations is Arnold’s exploration of Heathcliff’s racial background. In the novel, Heathcliff is described as “dark-skinned,” and Arnold’s decision to depict him as an African-American adds a layer of significance by delving into the racial discrimination faced by the character, a theme only briefly touched upon in Brontë’s work.
The film revolves around Heathcliff’s shattered psyche, offering a unique perspective on the character. Arnold’s choice to omit the latter half of the book aligns with her artistic vision, focusing on the moments that define Heathcliff and concluding just as his inevitable bitterness begins to surface after Cathy’s death. The adaptation is aptly described as a journey of “sympathy for the devil,” meticulously exploring the humanity within Heathcliff’s tormented soul while hinting at the impending transformation into a more monstrous figure. Overall, Arnold’s film provides a nuanced portrayal of Heathcliff’s emotions, gradually shifting from sympathy to anger, and effectively captures the desolation that follows.
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