4 Reasons Why Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is a film for the TikTok Generation
Will she be able to capture the essence of Brontë’s masterpiece without turning it into a spectacle for shock value? We’ll have to wait and see.
4. A soundtrack that speaks to the Gen Z
The cherry on top of the Gen Z cake is the choice of music for the film. The trailer features a remix of Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights”, combined with trap beats and electronic elements. It’s a bold move that sets the tone for a film that’s clearly not aiming to be a traditional period drama.
Music has always played a crucial role in adaptations of classic literature. From the iconic score of 1996’s Romeo + Juliet to the haunting melodies of Pride and Prejudice, the right soundtrack can elevate a film to new heights.
By incorporating modern music styles into the soundtrack, Fennell is signaling that this adaptation of Wuthering Heights will not be your grandmother’s period drama. It’s a bold choice that could either alienate purists or draw in a new audience.
Overall, it seems that the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights is aiming to bring a classic story into the 21st century. With its marketing-driven casting, highly stylised visuals, amplified sex and violence, and modern soundtrack, it’s clear that this film is targeting a younger audience. Whether or not it will succeed in capturing the essence of Emily Brontë’s novel remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure – it’s going to be a wild ride.
If Wuthering Heights were to include anything as meme-worthy as Jacob Elordi’s bathwater references, it would undoubtedly cause a stir on the internet. However, such a move could potentially detract from the romantic essence of Emily Brontë’s classic novel.
One aspect of the upcoming film adaptation that has raised eyebrows is the decision to have Charli XCX compose the soundtrack. While the use of contemporary music in period films was once a fresh and innovative choice, it has since become somewhat overused and gimmicky. The inclusion of pop songs in a gothic drama like Wuthering Heights may seem like a ploy to attract a younger audience, rather than enhancing the film’s atmospheric quality.
It is worth noting that while Charli XCX is a talented artist in her own right, her musical contributions to Wuthering Heights may not necessarily align with the somber and haunting tone of Brontë’s work. The trailer’s use of a pop song does little to evoke the gothic atmosphere of the novel, raising concerns about the film’s overall fidelity to the source material.
Some online commenters have joked that the film will be a blend of Bridgerton and 50 Shades of Grey, hinting at a potentially sensationalized interpretation of Wuthering Heights. However, many fans are hoping for a more nuanced and thought-provoking approach from director Emerald Fennell. Rather than catering to fleeting social media trends and sensationalism, audiences are eager to see a creative and intelligent reimagining of Brontë’s timeless tale.
In the end, it remains to be seen how Wuthering Heights will balance contemporary appeal with respect for the novel’s enduring themes and characters. As the film’s release date approaches, viewers will be eager to see whether it can strike the right balance between modern sensibilities and the timeless romanticism of Emily Brontë’s masterpiece.
