Wuthering Heights
Starring: Kaya Scodelario, James Howson, Shannon Beer, Solomon Glave
Directed By: Andrea Arnold
Reviewed by Danielle Muir

[rating: 4/5]

I am one of those somewhat uncultured folk who have not read the classic Emily Bronte novel Wuthering Heights – therefore this review is wholly based on the film itself rather than the work as an adaptation.

Taken in by Mr Earnshaw to the distaste of the rest of his family, a young Heathcliff soon forms a bond with the youngest child, Cathy.  Over the years Heathcliffe endures hard labour, physical brutality and belittling, and as Cathy grows into a young woman, their lives gradually grow apart.  Later, Heathcliffe returns to the life, the family, and the woman he left behind.

The cinematography captures the bleak and arduous nature of the lives of the Earnshaws, and provides an appropriate setting for the harsh storyline that is to come.  The pouring rain and relentless wind actually made me physically shiver despite my very comfortable surroundings.  In keeping with every element of the film, there is beauty to be found in the depression.

The two young actors portraying Heathcliffe and Cathy are the highlight.  Cathy, boisterous and conflicted, is played with strong conviction by newcomer Shannon Beer.  Additionally, Solomon Glave’s Heathcliffe is stone faced, growing ever more resentful at the harsh behaviour that continues to befall him.  Mostly silent unless cursing or in the company of Cathy, Glave’s performance is powerful in its subtly.  This is lost slightly once the adult actors enter.   Whilst additional newcomer James Howson looks magnificent as an elder Heathcliffe, his performance comes across as a little wooden rather than the calculating and methodical personality he seemed to strive for.  Scodelario is fine as an older Cathy, but there’s just something within her that doesn’t seem as strong as her younger counterpart was.  Perhaps that is something portrayed in the novel, or something she has lost over time.

The most fascinating element of Wuthering Heights for me was to view the decline of the films characters at the mercy of one another, and also the Heights property itself.  It breaks them down to a shell of the people they had the potential to be, which is heartbreaking as the film provides glimpses of these from time to time (such as the eldest son Hindley’s lovely fiancé).  In general, the effect the country cottage life has on its inhabitants renders the Heights residence one of the cruellest characters of them all.

One little side note – the pacing of this film is such that a repeat viewing may prove a little boring.  The first time, it is just enough to keep tedium at bay, however those who need some fast-paced thrills, you have been warned.  Additionally, there are some scenes of animal cruelty which are hard to watch due to their realism.

Andrea Arnold’s portrayal of Wuthering Heights is a harsh, beautiful.  Coming from one uneducated in the writings of Bronte, it is a subtle period love story that takes the cruel nature of the working class English, comments on class differences, and above all provides a subtle portrayal of a love that has lasted the ages.