Costume designer Jacqueline Durran has come to the defense of her controversial costume selections for Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Cathy in the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Scheduled for release on February 13, the movie has sparked mixed reactions among fans and critics, challenging traditional expectations of the genre.
Some critics have expressed disdain for the unconventional costume choices, particularly a red latex dress, drawing comparisons to Fennel’s Saltburn and its “hypersexualized” narrative. Social media has been abuzz with users critiquing the film’s aesthetics, with one fan calling the dress “fugly” and another questioning its historical accuracy.
Despite the backlash, Durran, a two-time Oscar winner, stands by her creative decisions for the film. She clarified that the fabric used is not latex but a shiny contemporary material, emphasizing the symbolic significance of red in Cathy’s character arc. Durran explained that the costumes were intentionally designed to create a visually stylized and artificial ambiance in line with the film’s overall aesthetic.
Addressing concerns about historical accuracy, Durran admitted that the team prioritized creating looks that resonated with each character rather than strictly adhering to period-specific details. While the costume choices have garnered criticism, the film’s content has also come under scrutiny for deviating from the original literary source material.
The movie’s departure from traditional gothic romance elements has polarized audiences, with some viewers feeling that it prioritizes style over substance. Early reactions from a screening in Dallas, Texas, indicated a mixed reception, with audience members expressing varying degrees of discomfort with certain scenes perceived as sensationalized for shock value.
Overall, the adaptation of Wuthering Heights has sparked lively debates among fans and critics alike, questioning the balance between creative reinterpretation and fidelity to the classic novel.