Lockwood is a traveller in mid-19th Century English Midlands, when he stops at a house due to a heavy storm. There he meets the rude Heathcliff (Olivier) and Ellen the housekeeper. Lockwood believes he saw a figure outside, shouting "Let me in, I'm out on the Moors. It's Cathy". Upon Heathcliff being told this, he runs out onto the moors. Ellen then tells Lockwood the story of Heathcliff and Cathy's (Merle Oberon) endless love.
'Wuthering Heights' is one of the most well-known literary works ever written. The book was published in 1847 by the author Emily Bronte, and has been made into numerous film and TV adaptations (17 according to IMDB). The adaptations include a 1954 film directed by Luis Bunuel and a 1985 film directed by Jacques Rivette, but it is this 1939 William Wyler film that is always considered the greatest.
Seeing as the book was written in the 19th Century, the story has dated with age. The 'girl split between two guys' storyline is overused nowadays, especially with the release of the 'Twilight' and 'The Hunger Games' films. But there is enough in this film to make the film different from these many imitators. For example, the first five minutes gives away the entire storyline of the film. The audience knows how everything is going to end up, so the film focuses instead on how they get there. Why is Heathcliff rich and Cathy dead? So as the film progresses, the pieces of the puzzle are gradually slotted together. When the final flash-forward to present day occurs, everything makes sense, completing the story. Its not about the result, but the journey it takes to get there.
This film was made earlier in 1939 "The (apparently) best year for film ever", and contains many stylistic choices that feel ahead of its time. Yes it is a Romantic film (my least favourite genre), but it feels like a Dickensian David Lean film, like 'Great Expectations' and 'Oliver Twist'. The Romantic Hollywood films made around this time, usually lacked aesthetic, or any kind of stylistic approach. The sets of the Moors are some of the greatest of the 1930s. I have been to the Midlands a few times, and they have never been this beautiful.
This is Olivier in one of his best roles. I feel guilty for disliking his performance in 'Henry V', as I realize now he can truly act. The character he creates, tells the rags to riches tale and the lost love tale, perfectly. After watching I can see why this story is timeless, and despite loosing half the book in transition, this film is perfection for the 1930s.
TO CONCLUDE
'Great Expectations' (aesthetic) meets 'Twilight' (love triangle) meets 'Cinema Paradiso' (lost love) meets 'Camille' (tragic ending).
SCORE
78
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