I have read the novel. I could write a long review about how brilliant the novel was and how it did not go with the tradition love story one would expect. Furthermore, the novel did not have the traditional heroes and villains. That is why the novel is so great.
Hollywood, however, just couldn't stand it could they? They had to turn it into a traditional soppy love story about soul mates (Heatchcliff and Catherine.) The truth is, Catherine, in the novel, loved Edgar, maybe more than Heathcliff. Furthermore, Heathcliff, in the novel, though starting off as a victim, turned into a horrible villain. The movie makes him out to be a hero for the most part, though he is cold to his wife Isabel. In the novel, he is downright abusive to her.
This film version took away everything that was original and great about the novel. Many who have read the novel didn't like it because their simple minds can't handle going form sympathising with Heathcliff to hating him. Hollywood certainly pandered to that crowd.
The only thing in this film worth seeing for actual entertainment is Olivier. The acting is brilliant, as one would expect from the greatest actor of all time. I don't like traditional love stories, but Olivier did it as well as it could be done. The early scene with him looking out the window calling for Catherine to come to him is moving. I also have to give credit to the music. It complemented Olivier's acting perfectly.
Olivier gets a 10, the rest of the movie a 1. I decided to give it overall a 4 out of 10. Even with Olivier, this garbage must have a below average rating.
Hollywood, however, just couldn't stand it could they? They had to turn it into a traditional soppy love story about soul mates (Heatchcliff and Catherine.) The truth is, Catherine, in the novel, loved Edgar, maybe more than Heathcliff. Furthermore, Heathcliff, in the novel, though starting off as a victim, turned into a horrible villain. The movie makes him out to be a hero for the most part, though he is cold to his wife Isabel. In the novel, he is downright abusive to her.
This film version took away everything that was original and great about the novel. Many who have read the novel didn't like it because their simple minds can't handle going form sympathising with Heathcliff to hating him. Hollywood certainly pandered to that crowd.
The only thing in this film worth seeing for actual entertainment is Olivier. The acting is brilliant, as one would expect from the greatest actor of all time. I don't like traditional love stories, but Olivier did it as well as it could be done. The early scene with him looking out the window calling for Catherine to come to him is moving. I also have to give credit to the music. It complemented Olivier's acting perfectly.
Olivier gets a 10, the rest of the movie a 1. I decided to give it overall a 4 out of 10. Even with Olivier, this garbage must have a below average rating.