Kaya Scodelario
James Howson
Oliver Milburn

Andrea Arnold
Olivia Hetreed

129 mins.
Drama, Romance
October 5, 2012

Not Rated

Andrea Arnold’s “Wuthering Heights,” released in 2011, succeeds at creating a credible sense of place and a palpable tension, but it’s not always engrossing. Too bad. It does evoke the essence of the book rather expertly, though, via its use of hand-held camerawork, cloudy and stormy visuals, and moments of raw power. This film certainly is an encapsulation of its title and the spirit of one of its central characters, Heathcliff.

In this film, Heathcliff is played by two black actors (one as a child, the other as an adult). This is suggested by the book, which states: “He is a dark-skinned gipsy in aspect …” (pg. 5, Barnes & Noble Classics Edition). There’s an added resonance and clarity to the story, as a result. When Hindley repeatedly uses “nigger,” the impact is sobering.

Stylistically, “Wuthering Heights” is all about its images. There’s a conspicuous lack of dialogue. The sounds of nature cut through, as a result. This is the opposite of what’s expected from or typical of a film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel. But it definitely fits the late 18th Century Yorkshire setting.

Arnold brings a contemporary indie style to this film. In some ways, it reminds me of Terence Malick’s work. However, Malick pushes a bit further than Arnold does. This is no “Tree of Life.” But, like “Tree of Life,” it isn’t focused on developing a crystal clear narrative; it’s about mood, atmosphere, and the interiors of the soul.

At times, “Wuthering Heights” lapses into a repetitive, suffocating rhythm. And its lack of a solid narrative structure can bore. This happens especially during the first half of the film. With that kind of style, the director must be careful to keep the audience engaged so that they want to follow the story, regardless of its disjointed structure.

However, there are many moments of explosive power. I just wish that there were more or that this film were edited more. If some of the air were taken out of this film, then it would be a knockout.

As it is, “Wuthering Heights” is a film that accomplishes its goal of depicting the dark undercurrents of Brontë’s novel without making any apologies for that depiction. The acting and writing don’t even matter; the camera rules them all.

(By the way, the introduction of a song at the end of the film was distracting. After hearing no music for two hours, that song was an intrusion. This film should’ve ended in silence.)

Verdict: Somewhat Good

About: (Source: facebook.com/Wuthering)

A Yorkshire hill farmer on a visit to Liverpool finds a homeless boy on the streets. He takes him home to live as part of his family on the isolated Yorkshire moors where the boy forges an obsessive relationship with the farmer’s daughter.