Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Wuthering Heights'
(KCBS) – KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "Wuthering Heights," starring James Howson and Kaya Scodelario, about a broke boy of mysterious background who is rescued by an affluent family and develops an intimate relationship with his foster sister...
KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:
WUTHERING HEIGHTS (R)
Many of us are aware of William Wyler's classic film starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon. Or, we have at least read - or at the very least heard of - the novel by Emily Bronte: Heathcliff and Cathy, friends since childhood, but perhaps doomed by their circumstances and their love.
Now, Andrea Arnold has remade the often told tale, but has stripped it of romanticism and lushness, turning it raw and often difficult to watch. Solomon Glave is the young, feisty Heathcliff, taken into a complicated home to become a servant. This is the first black Heathcliff we've seen, and he is a strong presence when he is allowed to be. Shannon Beer plays an earthy young Cathy. Director Arnold uses jump cuts, odd angles, handheld cameras, imagining this story of the 1880's as cruel and probably realistic. There are graphic animal killings and torment. By going for such realism, all the magic and passion is lost. 1/2 hat.
----------------------------------------------------
See Right Now: Argo, Arbitrage, Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel
Home Viewing/DVD: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Rock of Ages, Moonrise Kingdom
You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.
(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
