Apparently I'm one of those strange people who doesn't like Wuthering Heights. Having just read the novel, I've written a pretty scathing review on GoodReads - but for some reason I still wanted to watch one of the film adaptations, and after some research, settled on this one. Since I've already spewed my guts on what I really think of the story elsewhere, I'll simply review this film on its technical aspects.
One thing that pleased me is that it's at least 90% faithful to the book. I even recognised some of the dialogue which had been lifted from the novel verbatim. While the director has taken some creative liberties with regards to the chronological narrative, tussling some scenes around, all in all the story remains intact. While some characters have been omitted, most obviously Mr. Lockwood, there's nothing that really feels missing. Though it would have been nice if a little more time had been spent on the children's stories, not to mention Isabella's fate. Still, as a whole it's more complete than not.
There were however, some aspects of this film that slightly bothered me. Things that felt rather, how shall I put it nicely... 'low budget'. Shaky camera, a lack of colour filtering and appropriate lighting, both of which combined create a strong feeling of 'not really being there'. What bugged me the most was the fact that none of the cinematography really gave me an impressive feeling of the infamous Yorkshire moors, which were so pronounced and alive in the novel. The lack of music, which could have very strongly contributed to a haunting atmosphere, was also quite a weak point.
The cast is pretty good. Tom Hardy embodies Heathcliff very well and Charlotte Riley makes an impressive and fitting Catherine. The rest of the actors do their jobs nicely, especially Burn Gorman as Hindley.
The only point where this film really strayed from the book is that Cathy and Heathcliff aren't depicted even halfway as cruel as they're meant to be, and this is a shame because it creates a false sense of sympathy for their characters, when in truth they are monstrous people who deserve no respect from anyone whatsoever.
P. S. Now that I have the opportunity, I just have to get this off my chest. Can somebody please tell me why it is that Heathcliff is played by a white guy in every damn movie, save one...? Thank you.
One thing that pleased me is that it's at least 90% faithful to the book. I even recognised some of the dialogue which had been lifted from the novel verbatim. While the director has taken some creative liberties with regards to the chronological narrative, tussling some scenes around, all in all the story remains intact. While some characters have been omitted, most obviously Mr. Lockwood, there's nothing that really feels missing. Though it would have been nice if a little more time had been spent on the children's stories, not to mention Isabella's fate. Still, as a whole it's more complete than not.
There were however, some aspects of this film that slightly bothered me. Things that felt rather, how shall I put it nicely... 'low budget'. Shaky camera, a lack of colour filtering and appropriate lighting, both of which combined create a strong feeling of 'not really being there'. What bugged me the most was the fact that none of the cinematography really gave me an impressive feeling of the infamous Yorkshire moors, which were so pronounced and alive in the novel. The lack of music, which could have very strongly contributed to a haunting atmosphere, was also quite a weak point.
The cast is pretty good. Tom Hardy embodies Heathcliff very well and Charlotte Riley makes an impressive and fitting Catherine. The rest of the actors do their jobs nicely, especially Burn Gorman as Hindley.
The only point where this film really strayed from the book is that Cathy and Heathcliff aren't depicted even halfway as cruel as they're meant to be, and this is a shame because it creates a false sense of sympathy for their characters, when in truth they are monstrous people who deserve no respect from anyone whatsoever.
P. S. Now that I have the opportunity, I just have to get this off my chest. Can somebody please tell me why it is that Heathcliff is played by a white guy in every damn movie, save one...? Thank you.