Staff at the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth have come out in defence of the new film adaptation of the classic novel Wuthering Heights, made by director Emerald Fennell, calling it "amazing", "moving" and "fantastic", despite the controversy it has caused.
The film opens with a shocking scene: an aroused nun sees a drug addict with an erection. The story of Emily Brontë's 1847 novel is then enriched with strong erotic elements, including BDSM practices, masturbation scenes in swamps, beds filled with eggs for sensual effect, and sex in the rain.
In addition, several characters have been removed or added, important plot details have been changed, and the second half of the novel has been omitted. These interventions have caused dissatisfaction among some academics and fans of the original work.
"A fever dream"
However, for the staff of the museum – which is located in the house where the Brontë sisters wrote their works – the film is an impressive experience.
"I loved it. It touched me very emotionally," said Zoe, part of the maintenance staff.
“It’s like a fever dream,” said Mia from the digital department. “The costumes, set design and music are stunning. It’s a powerful escape into the world of the novel.”
Ruth, the visitor experience coordinator, praised the film for capturing "the essential truths of the relationship between Heathcliff and Cathy," even though it takes great artistic liberties.
She compared this version to previous adaptations such as the 1939 film starring Laurence Olivier, the 1992 version starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes, as well as the 2011 film by Andrea Arnold.
Not loyal, but fun
Some staffers admitted that the changes are numerous. “Is it faithful? No. Is it for the purists? No. But is it an entertaining interpretation? Yes,” said Diane from the public relations department.
She also praised the casting of Jacob Elordi in the role of Heathcliff, despite his description in the novel as "dark-skinned", calling the actor "fantastic" and convincing in his accent.
The film was shown at a preview in Keighley, organised by Warner Bros. The director of the museum and the Brontë Society, Rebecca Yorke, stressed that the institution was not involved in the making of the film, but Fennell had attended the Brontë Writers' Festival in September, where she spoke about her personal relationship with the novel.
Positive feedback and high expectations
Also present at the first public screening in Leeds was Emily Brontë's late biographer, Dr Claire O'Callaghan, who described the film as "enjoyable", with "brilliant performances" and a mix of intensity and tragedy.
According to her, the fact that Fennell openly presents it as a personal interpretation makes the film more acceptable. “There is no attempt at fidelity to the original. It is over the top and far removed from traditional period drama,” she said.
The museum is located in the house where Emily died at the age of 30, a year after publishing her only novel under the pseudonym Ellis Bell. Even the first criticism of the novel in the 19th century was harsh, calling the work shocking and filled with hatred and cruelty.
Today, the controversy seems to be turning into a benefit. The museum expects an increase in visitor numbers and is already reporting a significant increase in sales of the novel. Opening hours have been extended and exclusive souvenirs have been produced.
The film is expected to gross over $80 million in its opening weekend – roughly its budget – while Warner Bros. has partnered with numerous brands for licensed products, from intimate apparel to passport covers. /GazetaExpress/
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