Margot Robbie's Gothic Tribute Sparks Debate at Wuthering Heights Premiere
Margot Robbie's striking appearance at the Wuthering Heights London premiere last night generated significant discussion, primarily due to one particularly meaningful accessory. The actress and producer, aged 35, captivated onlookers in a custom sheer corseted gown designed by Dilara Findikoglu. The dress featured hand-dyed braid trimmings that artistically resembled hair, wrapping around her legs, torso, neck, and shoulders.
A Deliberate Nod to Literary History
This distinctive design element served as a deliberate homage to the special bracelet adorning Robbie's wrist. The Barbie star wore a carefully crafted replica of a 175-year-old Victorian mourning bracelet. The original piece, owned by Charlotte Brontë, was intricately woven with the hair of her sisters, authors Emily and Anne Brontë, and centered with an amethyst.
While the ensemble was a fittingly gothic tribute to the film's themes of doomed, obsessive love between Cathy Earnshaw (played by Robbie) and Heathcliff (portrayed by Jacob Elordi), it initially sparked confusion. Some fans expressed dismay, labeling the look as 'profane' and 'disrespectful', mistakenly believing Robbie was wearing the authentic historical artifact.
Social Media Fuels the Controversy
The controversy was amplified when an X user posted a photograph purportedly from the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, indicating the bracelet was 'temporarily removed from display'. This led to comparisons with Kim Kardashian's 2022 Met Gala appearance in Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress, with critics questioning whether celebrities should wear such historically significant items.
However, Harper's Bazaar clarified the situation, confirming Robbie's bracelet was a meticulous copy created by Wyedean Weaving. This replication likely explains any temporary removal of the original from museum display, allowing for detailed study by the artisans.
Atmospheric London Premiere
The premiere itself was held under appropriately dramatic conditions, with persistent London rain falling on a black carpet adorned with trees. This staging effectively evoked the moody, windswept Yorkshire moors central to Emily Brontë's novel.
In conversation with Metro, Robbie reflected on her own 'emo' teenage years, revealing she would have deeply connected with the novel during that phase of her life. 'I used to cut [my hair] with a razor blade and dye it black. I mean, I was so emo!' she recalled, noting her surprise at eventually returning to her natural blonde hair.
Cast Insights and Creative Vision
Co-star Jacob Elordi braved the weather, engaging enthusiastically with fans by taking photos and signing copies of Wuthering Heights, while also helping to shield Robbie and others from the rain.
Filmmaker Emerald Fennell, resplendent in bright red, attended alongside cast members including Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, and Martin Clunes. Many praised Fennell's bold vision in reinterpreting the classic novel.
Shazad Latif, who portrays Edgar Linton, discussed Fennell's directive to transform the character from a 'milquetoast sap' into a 'credible threat' and a viable romantic option for Cathy. '[Cathy] does love him. It is real. It's just that this other love is way more powerful. So, it's just heartbreaking to play that and such a fun challenge,' Latif explained.
He compared the film's yearning quality to the tragic miscommunication in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, aiming to 'stretch' the audience's hearts through the combined power of performance and the score by Anthony Willis and Charlie XCX.
Cast Reflections on the Adaptation
Oscar nominee Hong Chau, who plays the complex narrator and servant Nelly Dean, expressed gratification at the positive reception for the 'beautiful' film ahead of official reviews. She revealed collaborating with Fennell to 'figure out' the tricky character, appreciating the director's open-minded approach during the creative process.
Martin Clunes, portraying a harsher, more abusive version of Mr. Earnshaw (Cathy's father), described embracing the character's grim circumstances. He humorously recounted Fennell's direction: '"So there's the pile of vomit. If you lie in that and then get up as we call action, you'll be emerging from the vomit." So you go, "OK, that's what I'm doing today!"'
Wuthering Heights is scheduled for release in UK and Irish cinemas on February 13, promising a fresh and provocative take on Emily Brontë's enduring literary masterpiece.
