Which version of Wuthering Heights is closest to the book? A look into the accuracy of different versions

Emily Bronte's classic novel Wuthering Heights has captured many hearts since its publication in 1847. The story of the tumultuous relationship of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff set against the Yorkshire moor backdrop has inspired many films.

Among the outstanding film adaptations is William Wyler's 1939 version, referred to as the closest to the original novel. This version, starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, works well at capturing Brontë's gothic atmosphere and complex characterizations, even with some sacrifice to plot in the adaptation.

This article explores the loyalty of the film adaptations of Wuthering Heights, in which the 1939 edition is the most faithful to the novel.

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The 1939 version of Wuthering Heights: A loyal representation

The 1939 version of Wuthering Heights has been much praised as far as observant fidelity to the novel is concerned. The William Wyler directorial focuses on the first half of the novel—the obsessive and tragic love life of Catherine and Heathcliff.

The original screenplay by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur for this adaptation wisely was conservative in retaining almost all of the language and scenes of the novel, keeping up with Brontë's style.

Not forgotten here are the performances by Laurence Olivier as Heathcliff and Merle Oberon as Catherine that won acclaim for depth and authenticity, breathing life into characters for a novel's reader. This adaptation went onto earn eight Academy Awards nominations, including Best Screenplay.

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Other celebrated adaptations of Wuthering Heights

The 1939 version is probably the most faithful; there are other adaptations too that have significantly added to the heritage of Wuthering Heights. The 1970 film, directed by Robert Fuest, with Timothy Dalton and Anna Calder-Marshall, tells the more complete story from the novel—the narrative including both generations of characters.

However, it is not very original with the plot and characterizations and, maybe, will not be liked by the purists. The 1992 version, by Peter Kosminsky, with Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, tries to stay loyal to the mood of the book, but is faulted for its pacing. It is, however, noted for its faithfulness to the book, in terms of including the second generation story and characters.

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Key differences between the 1939 adaptation and other versions of Wuthering Heights

The 1939 adaptation by William Wyler is often viewed as the most faithful to Emily Bronte's novel. However, there are a few key differences in this version compared to other adaptations:

Focus on the first generation

The film concentrates on the first half of the novel and deals with the intense relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. It omits the second-generation characters like Heathcliff's son Linton and Catherine's daughter, also Catherine. This concentration helps the film to go deep into the primary love story, but at the cost of the novel's general narrative.

Romanticization and softening of characters

Wyler's adaptation tends to sentimentalize the characters, especially Heathcliff and Catherine. He depicted their love for each other in a more sympathetic form, wiping out some of the darker and more complex aspects of their characters. For example, his nastiness and her selfishness are worn down so that both are made as palatable as possible to the viewer.

Cinematographic techniques and visual image

The 1939 version has the aesthetic of black-and-white cinematography, which stresses the gothic nature of the film. Some of the dramatic works connected with the composition and lighting of cinematographer Gregg Toland are highly acclaimed, which makes this film haunting and timeless to the eye. Its visual style contrasts with later color versions, in which the aesthetic experience differs greatly.

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While many versions of Wuthering Heights have been made, the most film-like version of Emily Bronte's novel is the 1939 William Wyler directorial. All in all, it is considered to feature a highly faithful version of characters. The dialogue and major scenes, combined with the performances and direction, makes this adaptation of the novel stand out.

Other versions have their merits, but at times the creative liberty taken seemingly distances them even more from the source material. For those who want an adaptation that stays true to the spirit of Brontë's work, the 1939 Wuthering Heights is the choice.