Emerald Fennell’s reinterpretation of Emily Brontë’s timeless classic, “Wuthering Heights”, has taken the world by storm. This modern take on the windswept tale is set to redefine the period drama genre, blending extravagant set design with whimsical costumes, imaginative world-building, witty humor, and unbridled melodrama like never before.
Drawing inspiration from epic romances such as “The Notebook”, “The English Patient”, and “Titanic”, leading lady Margot Robbie reveals that the film is influenced by a plethora of cinematic love stories that sweep audiences off their feet. However, the list of influences goes far beyond these popular titles.
In anticipation of the film’s release on February 13, Fennell has curated a special program for the BFI titled “Love Stories”, showcasing a selection of stylish films that have shaped her vision for “Wuthering Heights”. Four of these films will be screened at London’s BFI IMAX in February, coinciding with a special event where Fennell will discuss her creative process.
Reflecting on the unconventional nature of “Wuthering Heights” as a love story, Fennell explains, “Since its publication 200 years ago, critics have challenged Wuthering Heights’s validity as a love story. It is too shocking, too cruel, too narratively strange to slip neatly into the world of romance, but it is a love story nonetheless.” She delves into her research process, revisiting her favorite love stories that defy genre conventions and push the boundaries of storytelling.
Among the films featured in Fennell’s “Love Stories” program is the forgotten classic “Random Harvest” (1942), a tale of amnesia, double lives, and reconciliation set against a backdrop of glamour and intrigue. Additionally, “A Matter of Life and Death” (1946) is highlighted for its captivating exploration of love and fate in the aftermath of World War II.
As audiences eagerly await the release of “Wuthering Heights”, Fennell’s curated selection of love stories offers a glimpse into the eclectic mix of influences that have shaped this bold and imaginative retelling of a literary masterpiece. Be sure to immerse yourself in these films before experiencing the breathtaking world of “Wuthering Heights” on the big screen.
