Exploring Emerald Fennell’s Vision for “Wuthering Heights”
Emerald Fennell’s latest adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” offers a fresh take on Emily Brontë’s classic tale of passion and despair. Fennell, known for her distinct style, provided her hair and makeup team, led by Sian Miller, with a mood board full of images. This included everything from landscapes to fashion, setting the tone for the film.
Fennell chose Jacob Elordi to play Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Cathy. Their story begins in childhood, evolving into a turbulent relationship filled with misunderstandings. Cathy’s decision to marry the wealthy Edgar Linton complicates her bond with Heathcliff. When Heathcliff overhears Cathy claim that marrying him would be a degradation, he leaves. This decision sets off a chain of heartbreak and turmoil when he returns years later.
Miller’s work in hair and makeup plays a key role in unveiling the characters’ emotional journeys. For example, Robbie’s character undergoes more than 35 various hairstyles, each reflecting her different phases in life. From wild hair to polished styles, Miller’s creativity breathed life into the film’s themes of love and vengeance.
The Transformation of Heathcliff
When young Heathcliff first arrives at Wuthering Heights, he is a scruffy orphan. As he ages into Elordi’s character, Miller uses dirt and makeup to give him a rugged look, symbolizing his tough upbringing. In contrast, he later emerges as a refined gentleman, nicknamed “Darcy Elordi,” nodding to the iconic character Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”. This character arc is enhanced by Miller’s decision to add a prosthetic gold tooth to signify his newfound wealth.
Unique Hairstyles with Meaning
One standout feature of the film is the hairstyles, including the so-called “Vagina Braid.” This unconventional name emerged from creative brainstorming between Fennell and Miller and reflects the film’s bold themes. The braid is akin to a design element in the set itself, showcasing the intertwined nature of femininity and chaos that pervades Brontë’s work.
In addition to the unique hairstyles, the film’s hair designs serve a critical storytelling function, reflecting the characters’ transformations and emotional states. For instance, as Cathy transitions into her life at Thrushcross Grange, her hairstyle softens, reflecting her vulnerability and growing isolation.
The Impact of Setting
Filmed against the backdrop of the Yorkshire Moors, the landscape plays a crucial role in character development. Heathcliff and Cathy grow up in this raw and wild environment, which mirrors their turbulent relationship. The moors are not just a setting; they’re a character in their own right, symbolizing the intensity of their love and conflict.
A Dramatic Conclusion
Cathy’s deterioration toward the film’s end is portrayed with haunting intensity. As she succumbs to sepsis after an affair with Heathcliff, the visual representation of her decline is brilliantly executed. Miller aimed for Cathy’s skin to resemble wet concrete, making her transformation all the more tragic.
The film concludes with a gut-wrenching scene where Heathcliff discovers Cathy’s lifeless body. This moment, filled with raw emotion, captures the essence of Brontë’s themes of love and loss in a way that stays with the audience long after the credits roll.
Final Thoughts
Fennell’s adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” is not just a retelling of a classic tale but a bold exploration of love’s complexities. With striking visuals, thoughtful character design, and a backdrop that echoes the characters’ tumultuous relationship, this film redefines the way we understand and experience Brontë’s masterpiece.
For more details about the adaptation, check out this article on Variety.
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Jacob Elordi,Margot Robbie,Wuthering Heights
