Brontë Museum Staff Applaud Emerald Fennell's Bold Wuthering Heights Adaptation
Staff at the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, West Yorkshire, have offered a robust defence of Emerald Fennell's latest film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, praising it as "amazing", "exciting", and "fantastic". This endorsement comes despite the film's radical departures from Emily Brontë's 1847 novel, including explicit sexual content and altered plotlines.
Provocative Twists on a Classic Tale
Fennell's version opens with a provocative scene featuring an aroused nun observing a hanged man with an erection. Other additions to the original story encompass BDSM elements, masturbation on the moors, beds filled with eggs for erotic effect, and extensive sex scenes in the rain. Key characters have been omitted or merged, plot details significantly changed, and the entire second half of the book excluded. These modifications have stirred consternation among some academics and Brontë enthusiasts, potentially confusing English literature students who might opt to watch the film instead of reading the novel.
Enthusiastic Responses from Museum Personnel
Despite the controversy, museum staff expressed overwhelming positivity after a preview screening in Keighley. Zoe, from housekeeping, remarked, "I loved it. It made me quite emotional. I thought it was amazing." Mia, involved in digital engagement, described the film as "a fever dream", highlighting the stunning costumes, sets, and dramatic soundtrack as a great escape into the world of Wuthering Heights. Ruth, a visitor experience coordinator, noted that Fennell's interpretation captures "some essential truths to the book and the relationship between Heathcliff and Cathy", offering a refreshing alternative to previous adaptations like the 1939 version with Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier.
Balancing Fidelity and Artistic License
Many staff members hope the film will inspire viewers to revisit the original novel. Sam, from the programming department, stated, "I think it will make a lot of viewers intrigued to read the book." Others acknowledged the significant changes, with Sue from the learning wing admitting, "Some may not like [that], but it's an exciting film to watch in its own right." Outreach officer Diane emphasized that while the film is not faithful to the novel or for purists, it serves as "an entertaining riff", also praising Jacob Elordi's performance as Heathcliff despite the character's dark-skinned description in the book.
Broader Reception and Historical Context
Dr Claire O'Callaghan, Emily Brontë's most recent biographer, attended the first public screening in Leeds and enjoyed the film, noting its "brilliant performances" and blend of fun with intensity and tragedy. She appreciated Fennell's clear personal spin on the story, describing it as "really refreshing" and so far removed from traditional period dramas that it avoids deeper upset. The Brontë Parsonage Museum, located in the home where the Brontë sisters wrote their groundbreaking novels, has seen increased visitor numbers and sales of Wuthering Heights, prompting extended opening hours and exclusive merchandise. Early reviews of the novel in the 19th century similarly faced declarations of disgust, mirroring some contemporary criticisms of Fennell's adaptation.
Commercial Success and Marketing Efforts
The film is projected to earn over $80 million (£58.7 million) during its opening weekend, matching its production budget. Warner Bros has partnered with numerous brands to launch official Wuthering Heights products, ranging from thongs to passport covers, as part of an extensive marketing campaign. Rebecca Yorke, director of the museum and the Brontë Society, clarified that while not involved in the film's production, they welcomed Fennell's interpretation, anticipating it would spark lively debate and appeal to diverse audiences.
