Review of Wuthering Heights (2011) by Dan B — 07 Jan 2012

Andrea Arnold's bold Bronte adaptation focuses on the elemental relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff, putting it in a context of violence and abuse (which in turn is given an overtly racial dimension by the casting of Glave and Howson as younger and older versions of the novel's "dark-skinned gypsy").

The visual approach is hand-held and documentary - no stunning widescreen vistas; the Yorkshire Dales are cramped into a 4:3 frame in which it appears to be constantly raining. This telling is certainly earthy (literally - there's a LOT of mud) and the presence of nature is felt throughout.

But ultimately, stripping away the romance and the language leaves little more than a dour succession of incidents and none of the leads have the charisma or presence to make us believe in (or care about) their passions.

Arnold's work is always worth a look, but unlike other recent literary adaptations, like say, We Need To Talk About Kevin, this experimental interpretation feels more like a footnote for A level students and doesn't quite work as a film in its own right.