Margot Robbie has addressed the uproar surrounding a provocative scene from Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Starring Robbie alongside Jacob Elordi, the film includes a moment described as even more explicit than a contentious scene from Fennell’s previous film, Saltburn.
Margot Robbie Wuthering Heights has drawn attention for its bold portrayal of intimacy, sparking debate on its faithfulness to the classic novel and its graphic content.
Scene Comparisons and Director’s Previous Work
The director, Emerald Fennell, previously directed Saltburn, which also starred Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan. One particularly controversial scene featured Keoghan’s character watching Elordi’s character masturbate in a bathtub, followed by Keoghan’s character consuming the remaining bathwater after Elordi leaves. When asked about this, Fennell hinted that Wuthering Heights contains a similarly striking scene, cryptically mentioning: “Something happens on a rock.”
Details of the Rock Scene and Its Reception
In the film, Robbie’s character, Catherine, is shown masturbating alone on a rock while Heathcliff observes. Following this, Heathcliff attempts to kiss her, but she responds by placing grass in his mouth. He then lifts her by her corset to her eye level. The scene has sparked discussion over whether it crosses boundaries or simply sets the tone of the film.
Margot Robbie Discusses the Film and Its Bold Moments
During an interview on BBC Radio 1 with Greg James on February 11, Robbie laughed when James described the movie as “Horny from the off.” She responded:
Love it. The first scene, I think, really sets the tone for the film.
– Margot Robbie
James referred to the masturbation scene, making a lighthearted remark about its absence from the original novel by saying:
Mm hmm. My second note is, ‘Don’t remember that bit from the book.’ I’ve put for that bit, ‘Clifftop alone time.’
– Greg James
Robbie revealed that the crew had a different name for that particular rock during filming but chose not to share it publicly:
I’ll tell you what we used to call that rock when we were shooting when we’re off the air.
– Margot Robbie
Unexpectedly Shocking Scenes Beyond the Rock
Aside from the rock scene, another unsettling moment involves a young Catherine witnessing a man who was executed for raping a woman. However, the scene’s shock factor is intensified by the man being “hung” in both literal and suggestive ways. Two nuns interact with the man’s large, erect penis after his hanging, adding a disturbing layer to the imagery.
Implications and Public Reaction
The inclusion of such intense scenes in Wuthering Heights has provoked tension and discomfort among audiences, highlighting Fennell’s provocative directorial style and her willingness to push boundaries. These choices challenge traditional interpretations of the classic novel, sparking debate about artistic freedom versus respect for source material. Given Margot Robbie’s prominent role and candid comments, the film’s controversial moments are likely to remain a focal point in its reception and influence future conversations about adaptations of literary works.
