SIREN30
02-12-2002, 05:48 PM
I am a huge fan of this story and therefore have viewed every film interpretation over the years. Here arer my thoughts on each one:
1. Wuthering Heights (1939) w/ Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon.
This first film version of the story has received critical acclaim over the years as one of the greatest films of all time. I might agree if I hadnt read the book but as it is, I have to say there are disappointing liberties taken. Laurence Olivier is entirely wrong for Heathcliff, being altogether too polished and proper. His hair is in perfect place and his accent immaculate. He behaves w/ such control and dignity. Heathcliff was wild and untamed. He was vicious. People were afraid of him because of his gypsy blood. Merle Oberon is lovely but once again, the film just shouldnt have been made at this restrained time of film history. The direction and cinematography however are remarkable and the end is very moving. Supporting performances are all sufficient but not memorable. The story is painfully condensed and the entire second half of the book is passed over. 8/10 (for the performances and direction which stand on their own to make it a great film...a great viewing for BEFORE the book is read)
2. Wuthering Heights (1970)Timothy Dalton and Anna Calder-Marshall.
A slightly more satisfying version of the story that remains very true to the dark and ugly atmosphere prevalent throughout the novel. Timothy Dalton is my favorite Heathcliff and his performance is from his guts. He gives the tormented hero a childlike quality that is most appealing. He is petulant and interesting throughout. Calder-Marshall is a very good Cathy and has just the right ammount of sauciness during the early scenes. She is however, very short and not very pretty which becomes distracting in the later half. Also, the role of Ellen,the maid, is relegated to a main character and about 30 years is taken off of her age. The realistic color and grime in this film add to the dreary mood and there is an ethereally beautiful love theme in the score. It also contains one of the better onscreen kisses that I've seen. But, again, the 2nd half of the book is conveniently cut off and liberties are taken w/ Heathcliff's death that cross the line and seem dismally tacked on. 7/10
3. Wuthering Heights (1995) Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche
Though not altogether perfect this is by far the most satisfying film version of this novel. Juliette Binoche is wonderful and lives and breathes not only the character of Cathy but also that of her daughter in the second half. Fiennes is appropriately harsh and the rest of the cast finally become memorable players in the story. The film is alternately light and dark, playing on the emotions of the characters and the weather. The story opens very appealingly as well, taking an entire different approach than its predecessors. Look for a small cameo by Sinead O'Connor as Emily Bronte. The most admirable thing about the film though, is its trueness to the story while still managing to move at a swift pace. Details are carefully developed and dialogue easy to follow. All in all, a very good film and one I quickly added to my collection. Not available on DVD. 8/10
1. Wuthering Heights (1939) w/ Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon.
This first film version of the story has received critical acclaim over the years as one of the greatest films of all time. I might agree if I hadnt read the book but as it is, I have to say there are disappointing liberties taken. Laurence Olivier is entirely wrong for Heathcliff, being altogether too polished and proper. His hair is in perfect place and his accent immaculate. He behaves w/ such control and dignity. Heathcliff was wild and untamed. He was vicious. People were afraid of him because of his gypsy blood. Merle Oberon is lovely but once again, the film just shouldnt have been made at this restrained time of film history. The direction and cinematography however are remarkable and the end is very moving. Supporting performances are all sufficient but not memorable. The story is painfully condensed and the entire second half of the book is passed over. 8/10 (for the performances and direction which stand on their own to make it a great film...a great viewing for BEFORE the book is read)
2. Wuthering Heights (1970)Timothy Dalton and Anna Calder-Marshall.
A slightly more satisfying version of the story that remains very true to the dark and ugly atmosphere prevalent throughout the novel. Timothy Dalton is my favorite Heathcliff and his performance is from his guts. He gives the tormented hero a childlike quality that is most appealing. He is petulant and interesting throughout. Calder-Marshall is a very good Cathy and has just the right ammount of sauciness during the early scenes. She is however, very short and not very pretty which becomes distracting in the later half. Also, the role of Ellen,the maid, is relegated to a main character and about 30 years is taken off of her age. The realistic color and grime in this film add to the dreary mood and there is an ethereally beautiful love theme in the score. It also contains one of the better onscreen kisses that I've seen. But, again, the 2nd half of the book is conveniently cut off and liberties are taken w/ Heathcliff's death that cross the line and seem dismally tacked on. 7/10
3. Wuthering Heights (1995) Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche
Though not altogether perfect this is by far the most satisfying film version of this novel. Juliette Binoche is wonderful and lives and breathes not only the character of Cathy but also that of her daughter in the second half. Fiennes is appropriately harsh and the rest of the cast finally become memorable players in the story. The film is alternately light and dark, playing on the emotions of the characters and the weather. The story opens very appealingly as well, taking an entire different approach than its predecessors. Look for a small cameo by Sinead O'Connor as Emily Bronte. The most admirable thing about the film though, is its trueness to the story while still managing to move at a swift pace. Details are carefully developed and dialogue easy to follow. All in all, a very good film and one I quickly added to my collection. Not available on DVD. 8/10