Wuthering Heights: Brontë Poll, The Second

Many thanks to everyone who took part in my poll about Jane Eyre adaptations. The favorite, by a strong consensus, is the 1983 Zelah Clarke/Timothy Dalton version, although seven different adaptations received more than one vote. Personally, I've enjoyed several of the films. My preference at this point is for Charlotte Gainsbourg as Jane Eyre (the only actress who has seemed sufficiently young, starved - both socially and physically - and deep for my taste... I wonder if she might have been more passionate if playing against a more spirited performance than William Hurt gave as Rochester) and Timothy Dalton as Rochester (his portrayal captures the character's proud spirit and changing moods so incredibly well, to my mind, that this overcomes the fact he is rather too attractive for the role). I have not seen all of the versions, however, and the poll has convinced me I must, especially the 1944 Joan Fontaine/Orson Welles adaptation.

That poll seemed to require this one, which I offer now. I'll admit to having much stronger loyalties for one of these films in particular, but then again, I'm yet to see them all. I look forward to your responses!

[Poll #1035096]

Is Mr. Heathcliff a man? If so, is he mad? And if not, is he a devil? I sha'n't tell my reasons for making this inquiry; but I beseech you to explain, if you can, what I have married...

"...Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living! You said I killed you--haunt me, then! The murdered do haunt their murderers. I believe--I know that ghosts have wandered on earth. Be with me always--take any form--drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh God! it is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!

- Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights