I’m already on board for Andrea Arnold’s “Wuthering Heights,” since this is the first film adaptation of the book to actually use the book’s description of Heathcliff, i.e. casting a dark-skinned man to play a dark-skinned man. So the trailer, which has been released, will have to do nothing to convince me to go see it. But, if you haven’t heard about the film, check out the trailer, featured below, to see what you think.
I’ll tell you right now–don’t expect any typical interpretation of the early 19th century. It’s not presented as if it’s a far-off time that nobody can identify with. The trailer is stark, naturalistic, gritty, and extremely realistic. There’s no flowery dialogue in the trailer–heck, there’s not any dialogue except for two threadbare sentences, and even those two sentences could be tacked together with a semi-colon. Basically, if you’re expecting the 19th century as shown in chick flicks, you’re going to be in for a rude awakening.
I’ll also say it’s a very atmospheric trailer. While I am typing this, it is raining outside. Watching the trailer, with its usage of the sounds of wind and scenes of heavy rain, overcast skies and fog, has made me feel even colder than I already am. Good thing I’ve got chili.
Anyway, watch the trailer and see what you think. It might be your cup of tea (or bowl of chili), or it might not be. Tell us which side you’re falling on in the comments section below.
“Wuthering Heights,” starring Kaya Scoledario, James Howson, Solomon Glave and Shannon Beer, is currently making its rounds at the film festivals, but has been picked up by Oscilloscope and will be distributed nationwide sometime in 2012.