Director of ‘Wuthering Heights’ Shares Regret Over Cutting Margot Robbie’s Bold ‘Hairy Armpit’ Scene

Emerald Fennell recently opened up about a choice she made while adapting Wuthering Heights, which stars Margot Robbie. During a talk at the Hay Festival in Wales, she shared her regret over cutting a scene that showed Robbie’s character, Cathy, with visible armpit hair. Fennell felt it was crucial to maintain historical accuracy, especially since women in the early 19th century didn’t have the same hair removal options we do today.

Fennell expressed her frustration about how women are usually portrayed in period dramas. “They all appear hairless like eels,” she remarked. A study from Gillette UK points out that while hair removal has been around for centuries, widespread access to razors for women didn’t start until the early 1900s, long after Emily Brontë wrote her novel in 1847.

Fennell believes showing Cathy’s body hair would have added a layer of realism. “It was important to me,” she stated, reflecting on the lost scene. Despite the challenges of adapting a work as complex as Wuthering Heights, Fennell aimed to capture the essence of the story she loved as a teenager.

However, her adaptation has drawn mixed reviews. Some critics slammed it for deviating from Brontë’s original vision, particularly in terms of costumes and character portrayals, including Heathcliff, played by Jacob Elordi. Fennell has defended her artistic choices, explaining that her version reflects her youthful imagination of the story, which often diverged from the text.

This adaptation shows how film representation can challenge traditional beauty standards. In a world where platforms like social media have sparked debates around body image, Fennell’s decision to include or exclude elements like body hair can influence viewer perceptions and discussions about authenticity in storytelling.

Cathy, while hairier, could have sparked conversations about acceptance and historical accuracy as part of the broader narrative. Fennell’s thoughts remind us that adaptations can be more than just translations; they can be a canvas for modern conversations regarding self-image and norms.

Viewers can now stream Wuthering Heights on HBO Max, allowing them to experience Fennell’s interpretation of this classic work firsthand.

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Wuthering Heights, Emerald Fennell, Margot Robbie, period dramas, unshaven armpits, Emily Brontë