Wuthering Heights Pt. 2

Another Masterpiece masterpiece has come and gone. Wuthering Heights concluded last. *tear tear.* It was slightly anticlimactic, but still beautiful. For those who missed it, you can view both episodes online here until February 1.

Not surprisingly, the length of the entire production was disappointing. I kept glancing at the clock in fear, wondering just how little time remained. One hour was simply not enough time to conclude this wonderful tale, but overall it was nicely done. Two-and-a-half hours might seem like a while, but it’s really not when dealing with something of WH’s complexity; or any classic novel’s complexity for that matter. 4 hours would have been nice; oh well.

We saw more of Isabella Linton in this episode, and I wanted to slap her silly. Irrational, yes, but she’s not an easy character to like — or pity. I empathized with Heathcliffwhen he said, ”I have no pity. . . . No pity,” a line which was delivered perfectly and captured the very essence of his character. I suppose Heathcliff deserves some reproach, but the writers and directors did a fine job of making him especially pitiful. While he made victims out of nearly every character in the story —- well, actually, every character — he appeared to be the biggest victim. I know “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” paraphernalia are popular with Twilight fans, and I kept wanting to wave my “Team Heathcliff” flag throughout the film, especially last night. However, his treatment of Catherine was most abominable, and I nearly covered my eyes as he cruelly and viciously murdered Hindley. My flag did stop waving during those episodes.

The integral link between Cathy and Heathcliff — their primal attachment to one another — became clear when Cathy learned he had married Isabella. Cathy ruined her own life and the lives of others around her thoroughly, so I rarely felt sorry for her, but when she fell into those fits and hysterics, her pain hit home. Tears were plentiful when she died, and especially when Heathcliff spoke to her corpse in the casket. “I cannot live without my life. I cannot live without my soul.” OMG, my heart broke into a million little pieces. And Heathcliff’s dying animal scream after learning of her death from Nelly was very painful. Tom Hardy really did a terrific job in this film.

The second generation’s story was sad, but heartwarming in the end. Hareton was a very likable (and attractive ) character, and though they might have cancelled each other out at times, I waved a “Team Hareton” flag along with my “Team Heathcliff” one. It became difficult to keep the children all straight at times. Cathy + Edgar Linton = Catherine Isabella + Heathcliff = Linton. Hindley + Mrs. Earnshaw = Hareton. So Catherine and Hareton were cousins, as were Catherine and Linton. WH’s website features a nifty character chart.

As the ending approached, I was hoping they would not end with a shot of the house alone, or of Young Cathy and Hareton. As pleasing as their union was, to end with them would lighten the story too much. The final screen shot of Heathcliff and Cathy, or their ghosts, looking out the window together at the Heights gave a sense of grief at what might have been, but it also gave a sense of closure.

Overall, I give this film a 9 out of 10. I will definitely be buying the DVD.

What did you think?

~ by Lady Ashley on January 26, 2009.