Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights has sparked debate due to its explicit scenes, with Margot Robbie now addressing the matter. The movie, starring Robbie and Jacob Elordi, includes a particularly provocative moment that some say surpasses the controversy seen in Fennell’s previous film, Saltburn.
In Saltburn, directed by Fennell as well, the controversy arose from a scene featuring Jacob Elordi’s character engaging in masturbation in a bathtub, observed by Barry Keoghan’s character. The scene further escalates when Keoghan’s character drinks the leftover bathwater after Elordi leaves, which drew attention for its graphic nature.
Comparison Between Wuthering Heights and Saltburn Scenes
During a red carpet event, Fennell remarked that Wuthering Heights contained a scene comparable to the bathtub moment in Saltburn. She hinted, “Something happens on a rock,” suggesting the film’s own explicit content.
Details of the Rocky Cliff Scene
In the movie, Margot Robbie portrays Catherine, who is shown masturbating on a rock with Heathcliff, played by Jacob Elordi, watching her. This leads to an intimate and tense exchange where Heathcliff attempts to kiss her, and Catherine responds by placing grass in his mouth. Heathcliff then lifts Catherine to eye level, holding her by her corset. This scene has polarized viewers regarding its level of explicitness.
Margot Robbie’s Response About the Provocative Scene
On 11 February, Margot Robbie appeared on BBC Radio 1 for an interview with Greg James, where they discussed the film’s boldness in its opening. When James described Wuthering Heights as “Horny from the off,” Robbie laughed and agreed that the first scene sets the tone for the entire film.
Greg James reflected on the masturbation scene, noting humorously,
“Mm hmm. My second note is, ‘Don’t remember that bit from the book.’ I’ve put for that bit, ‘Clifftop alone time.’”
Robbie responded to the remark about the rock, stating,
“We called that section something else, which I won’t repeat on the radio.”
She added,
“I’ll tell you what we used to call that rock when we were shooting when we’re off the air.”
A More Disturbing Scene Involving a Public Execution
Beyond the intimate rock scene, the film includes a darker, unsettling moment where a young Catherine witnesses a man being hanged for raping a woman. The scene’s macabre tone is heightened by a disturbing detail: two nuns interact with the man’s erect penis post-mortem, underscoring the film’s willingness to explore shocking and controversial imagery.
Implications of the Film’s Bold Content
By pushing boundaries with explicit and provocative scenes, Wuthering Heights challenges traditional interpretations of the novel and provokes discussion about modern filmmaking approaches to classic literature. With Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi at the forefront, and Emerald Fennell’s direction marking the project, the film is poised to generate ongoing debate regarding artistic liberty, representation of sexuality, and the adaptation of historic stories for today’s audience.
