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...

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).
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)

The West Australian remembers the presence of Abbie Cornish in the Wuthering Films film project that will be directed by Peter Webber:

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