The nastiest version
Frank Behrens in the Bellows Falls Town Crier gives what is probably the first review of Wuthering Heights 2009. And, we are afraid it's not a good one:
(EDIT: But as good BrontëBlog friend Faye says...
The Wilmington Star-News presents the 'Quiet Spirit, Skillful Hand: The Graphic Work of Clare Leighton' exhibition at the Cameron Art Museum (Wilmington, New Carolina). As the article reminds us:
The Independent reviews the latest theatre play by Marina Carr, The Cordelia Dream and makes the following comment:
Categories: Art-Exhibitions, Brontëites, Illustrations, Jane Eyre, Movies-DVD-TV, References, Theatre, Wuthering Heights
(EDIT: But as good BrontëBlog friend Faye says...
I'm a bit sceptical about puting much stock behind this review, seems this guy is looking for something much fluffier than Bronte and Hardy.)
"Wuthering Heights" will have a total running time of about 130 minutes. This has to be the nastiest version of the Bronte work yet. Tom Hardy, looking somewhat like a young Marlon Brando, is a dangerous Heathcliff with scarcely a redeeming characteristic. Cathy is played by a newcomer, Charlotte Riley, who is not bad but lacks that larger than life aura that other actresses have given the role. She too is pretty nasty in the second episode, as is her hapless husband Edgar Linton (Andrew Lincoln) when he disowns his own sister Isabella (Rosalind Halstead) when she runs off with Heathcliff. In fact, only Cathy's nurse Nellie (Sarah Lancashire) is in any way admirable.
Bronte's framing device is changed to a far more confusing one. Indeed, it is nearly impossible to figure out what is happening in the opening sequence and equally confusing at the end. But every one knows that great authors really did not know how to tell a story that would work on television!
The Wilmington Star-News presents the 'Quiet Spirit, Skillful Hand: The Graphic Work of Clare Leighton' exhibition at the Cameron Art Museum (Wilmington, New Carolina). As the article reminds us:By 1925 she started getting commissioned to do book illustrations, including Thomas Hardy's "The Return of the Native" and Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights". In 1929 she made her first visit to North America, settling permanently in the United States in 1939. (Alison L. Harney)As a matter of fact, there were twelve wood engravings for a 1931 Random House edition of Wuthering Heights (limited to 450 copies signed by Clare Leighton). Some of them can be seen in this auctioneer gallery (Picture source)
The Independent reviews the latest theatre play by Marina Carr, The Cordelia Dream and makes the following comment:
And I like the sound if not substance of Woman's idea that an artist transforms the process of disguise and plagiarism in the necessity of writing something down by an act of faith. But Carr never allows this theme any room to breathe or prosper as Woman is also confined – and defined – by such curious assertions that there's not been a good time to be a woman since the Brontës, and Man hasn't finished a work of any note – or indeed, stave -- for years. (Michael Coveney)The Sky-Hi Daily News reports a book signing by a local author, Joanne Sundell, who happens to be a Brontëite:
For those familiar with local Grand County author Joanne Sundell’s books, they’ll not be disappointed with “The Parlor House Daughter.” An informal book talk and signing highlighting the romantic suspense novel is scheduled at 6 p.m. next Thursday at the Fraser Valley Library (some mature themes).The West Australian remembers the presence of Abbie Cornish in the Wuthering Films film project that will be directed by Peter Webber:
In her newest work, released Dec. 10, fans will recognize Sundell’s intriguing themes and credible historical ties. Her stories equally portray strong women and men in a rough world, with a rare glimpse of love to smooth things out.
Many of the strong women from the past she honors are like those found in her favorite romance, “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte. (Cyndi McCoy)
Abbie Cornish will play Cathy in Wuthering Heights. (AAP)And finally, the blogosphere brings two brief things: The + Effects of TV (on the Soul) posts about Jane Eyre and a fifteen words student poem about Wuthering Heights on Fiftywords Stories.
Categories: Art-Exhibitions, Brontëites, Illustrations, Jane Eyre, Movies-DVD-TV, References, Theatre, Wuthering Heights
Labels: Art-Exhibitions, Brontëites, Illustrations, Jane Eyre, Movies-DVD-TV, References, Theatre, Wuthering Heights
Posted by M. on Thursday, January 01, 2009 at 12:26 PM 
|
Permalink
Campaign
Feeds/Subscriptions 
6 Comments:
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
I have mixed feelings about that review. It actually pleases me to hear that Heathcliff and Cathy are nasty, they are nasty in the book after all. It seems the reviewer was looking more for a 1939 approach to the characters to me. If he has a problem with H and C not behaving well, it should really be taken up with EB. I like that Tom resembles Marlon Brando becuase Marlon is the only actor i believe could ever have fully captured Heathcliff.
However, i'm a bit worried at the messing around with the structure.
He also gave a bad review of Tess. Which i thought was brilliant. I'm a bit sceptical about puting much stock behind this review, seems this guy is looking for something much fluffier than Bronte and Hardy.
Tess was alright, but inconsistent, especially in cast (strong Tess and Alec, and a pretty insipid Angel). 7/10
'It actually pleases me to hear that Heathcliff and Cathy are nasty, they are nasty in the book after all.' Yes, have they read the book? These words, in this respect, make the adaptation sound quite faithful. And why is it such a bad thing that they are disagreeable? I find it slightly odd that some readers/viewers require characters to be pleasant, and if not, then they’re not seen as fully realised or even understood. Strange.
Just to add (sorry, but I'm a massive Thomas Hardy fan) but this riles me: 'To my mind, the 1979 film "Tess" is the best.'
That is one of the biggest fallacies in the film world. It's akin to stating that all projects of Emily Bronte's WH and Charles Dickens' Great Expectations should be ceased immediately, as Olivier's Wuthering Heights and Lean's Great Expectations have captured them perfectly - but as adaps both are terrible. I know the reviewer states that it's his opinion, but he sets it up as though Tess '79 is somehow faithful to the source material or that it is held in high regard by Hardy fans. It wasn't even shot in the West Country -- I mean, come one! Tess/Hardy is Wessex! The Waddell '98 version is miles better than the Polanski effort.
Wow, reading the above sounds like I hate Tess '79 -- I don't; but what I do dislike is this current attitude to belittle other efforts in adapting Hardy's work by comparing it to an inferior product.
Apologies for the mini-rant! :)
I agree, i've never been over fond of Polanski's Tess. Although, i do like him as a director. I didn't even know about it's filming locations when i watched the film, but, it was very clear right away it was filmed in France.
The 1998 Tess remains my overall favourite. Although, i don't like that voice over.As, for the most recet version. I really enjoyed it. I think it's greatest problem was its pacing. But, i thought the cating was very good. Especially Hans Matheson. I didn't have a huge problem with Edddie's performance. Although, i felt the Tess/Angel relationship was overshadowed by the Tess/Alec relationship. Which takes away some of the poignency of the ending.
Hi Faye, my apologies for the belated reply! (No email notification for these messages unfortunately)
'I really enjoyed it. I think it's greatest problem was its pacing.' Absolutely! I find that this is where the Polanksi version excels!
And I'm sorry, but aside from a few flashes of life, Eddie's performance was the reason that The Tess/Angel relationship didn't come off! Tess just totally dominated every scene with him, whilst with Alec she could play off his character! I suppose we could point at the direction here again! ;)
I'm not sure if you'll read this, as it'll in all likelihood be consigned to the fiery depths of Bronteblog obscurity, but if you do manage to grab a passing peek: I've a feeling I know (from your WH 2009 enthusiasm) who you are on imdb! ;) *Whispers and taps forefinger on nose* Your secret's safe!
Post a Comment
<< BrontëBlog Main Page