As a film enthusiast and someone who has spent countless hours delving into the rich tapestry of literature-turned-cinema, I find myself both intrigued and apprehensive about the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights.
Come September 2024, a buzz swept through the cinematic world as it was announced that silver screen powerhouses Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi would star in Emily Brontë’s timeless novel “Wuthering Heights,” directed by Emerald Fennell. With their undeniable talent and ability to captivate audiences with every role, the casting of these Hollywood heavyweights has sparked a fiery debate on social media. While I have no doubt they will deliver mesmerizing performances as always, it’s evident that opinions are divided and the chatter online is far from quiet.
Some viewers eagerly anticipate Robbie and Elordi’s role in the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights as Cathy and Heathcliff, but many express dissatisfaction with the casting decisions. Critics argue that Elordi’s portrayal of a character originally written as a person of color amounts to whitewashing, while some question Robbie’s suitability for the part of a troubled teenager in the much-hyped film. In this article, we delve into why the pair may not be ideal choices for the latest adaptation of Wuthering Heights.
Two Hollywood Heavy Hitters Team Up
Margot Robbie is undeniably one of the silver screen’s most sought-after and sensational talents, with the Oscar-nominated actress having proven time and time again that there isn’t a role she can’t masterfully make her own. Robbie has starred as a slew of unforgettable characters like the delightfully unhinged Harley Quinn in the DCEU, disgraced former figure skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya, and legendary movie star Sharon Tate in Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood. The savvy performer helped create a worldwide phenomenon in 2023 when she joined forces with Greta Gerwig for the 2023 blockbuster knockout Barbie, which also took home an Academy Award.
Originating from the same land down under, Jacob Elordi is making waves in the entertainment world. His journey began with his role opposite Joey King in the popular Netflix teen romantic comedy series, “The Kissing Booth.” Subsequently, Elordi showcased his versatility by delving into more dramatic roles, notably as Nate Jacobs, the troubled high school jock, in the critically-acclaimed HBO drama “Euphoria.” This impressive performance was followed by his portrayal of Elvis Presley, nicknamed the “King of Rock and Roll,” in “Priscilla.” Most recently, he demonstrated his range yet again with his role as Felix Catton in the 2023 black comedy “Saltburn,” earning him a BAFTA nomination.
Robbie & Elordi Are Woefully Miscast
Although these top-notch actors from Hollywood, who consistently deliver exceptional performances, have been chosen to play Catherine and Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s forthcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, many are perplexed by this decision. While it’s certain that Robbie will bring her A-game to this iconic literary character, some critics question whether the choice to cast her was too predictable and worry that she seems too modern to be convincing in a period drama.
The casting of a 27-year-old actor (Elordi) and a 34-year-old actress (Robbie) for the roles of teenage characters Catherine and Heathcliff in the highly regarded novel has sparked discussions, as people question why they didn’t choose younger, inexperienced actors instead. The main controversy regarding this upcoming adaptation revolves around Elordi’s participation, as the character Heathcliff is generally perceived to be of mixed race in the 1847 novel, with the majority agreeing that he is described as a “dark-skinned gipsy” by Brontë. This suggests that Heathcliff may not be white.
Michael Stewart, the founder of the Brontë Writing Centre, firmly asserts that Emily Brontë likely envisioned her iconic character as someone other than white. He explains, “I am convinced that Emily intended him to be either black or of mixed race.” Critics argue that Robbie and Elordi, who are both considered very attractive and glamorous, do not accurately portray the raw and tormented nature of the star-crossed lovers, who reside on an English farm in the 1700s. Passionate Brontë enthusiasts and social media users have voiced their disapproval online, labeling the casting decisions as “odd” and “poor.
Certain well-known celebrities struggle to shine in period dramas, appearing awkward instead, as demonstrated by Cameron Diaz in “Gangs of New York” and Keanu Reeves in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula. However, this doesn’t mean they didn’t deliver their best in these roles. Yet, visualizing Lonergi (Elordi) as the brooding, tormented, and furious Heathcliff is challenging for fans to accept. Following Elordi’s casting, Michael Stewart commented:
For a long time, ‘Wuthering Heights’ has seen white actors portray ambiguous ethnic characters. However, the landscape has shifted, as the manner in which we depict certain individuals in art and culture carries a responsibility that was not present two decades ago.
Is There a Need For Another Wuthering Heights?
Just as I’ve cherished the stories of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” so too have I followed the various adaptations of Emily Brontë’s masterpiece, “Wuthering Heights.” This timeless novel has graced our screens for over a century, with the 1920 British silent film marking its first cinematic portrayal. Among the many memorable adaptations, I fondly remember the 1939 version starring Lawrence Olivier and Merle Oberon, the 1992 adaptation titled “Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights” featuring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, and the 2009 two-part ITV series led by Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley.
In most of these adaptations, the cast has predominantly been white, but Andrea Arnold’s 2011 film version stands out by casting a multiracial actor as Heathcliff. James Howson played this role opposite Kaya Scodelario in the dramatic romance set against a backdrop of Gothic landscapes. The announcement of the casting received praise from many, who appreciated Arnold’s innovative decision, while others expressed frustration with Fennell’s choices. Clarisse Loughrey, a film critic for The Independent, questioned if people had actually read the book before making their decisions, while an X (formerly Twitter) user wrote in a post that garnered over 7.5 million views: “Did anyone actually read the book before deciding this?
As a dedicated fan eagerly awaiting Emerald Fennell’s next move with her upcoming project, I find myself contemplating how she might tackle the various concerns and questions we have about this new installment. However, one thing is certain – Margot Robbie and Lucas Hedges will undoubtedly bring their top performance to breathe life into these iconic literary characters and timeless classic novel. The future remains uncertain about what this latest adaptation will offer, but in the meantime, I highly recommend streaming Andrea Arnold’s captivating adaptation on Peacock.
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2024-09-30 06:01