Update: Poster removed at the request of HanWay Films.
Presumably one of the final leaks of material from the recent American Film Market: a promo poster and synopsis has been unveiled for Andrea Arnold‘s upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë‘s classic novel “Wuthering Heights.”
The project is based on a script by Olivia Hetreed (“Girl with a Pearl Earring“) and has seen a revolving door of talent attached or linked including directors Peter Webber and John Maybury along with thesps Michael Fassbender, Natalie Portman, Abbie Cornish, Ed Westwick and Gemma Arterton.
Arnold herself signed up to helm earlier this year as a follow up to her 2009 Cannes-starrer “Fish Tank” and — after a few production hiccups — now has Kaya Scodelario (“Skins“) attached to star as Cathy and Nichola Burley as the third lead.
So far, though, no actor has yet been cast as the male lead, Heathcliff, which presumably has something to do with the persistent delays. Arnold held opening casting calls as early as February of this year looking for a leading man who was 16-24 years old, from Yorkshire, of Gypsy appearance and not necessarily experienced, but it doesn’t look like she’s been successful. But after plucking Katie Jarvis from obscurity, we have full confidence in her eye for talent.
Arnold’s take on the story has been described as a “‘Twilight‘ story of forbidden teenage love” though we wouldn’t put too much emphasis on that. Everything so far sounds very much like the Arnold way of doing things with its “astonishing vision of perverted passion and passionate perversity” that will focus on the “youthful, teenage aspect of the protagonists.” Here’s the synopsis provided at the AFM:
What would you do if you were denied your soulmate?
The passionate tale of Heathcliff and Cathy (Kaya Scodelario), two teenagers whose elemental love for each other creates a storm of vengeance.
From director Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank, Red Road), comes a new take on the classic, a startling vision of desire and obsession.
Shooting was originally set for April this year before being delayed until this fall, though things still appear to be very quiet. Either way, after Arnold’s exceptional neo-realist sophomore effort which explored similar themes to this classic tale (and which is now headed for The Criterion Collection), we’re definitely looking forward to what comes of this adaptation.