BBC Radio 7, 17-21 August 2009
Books are a dangerous source of knowledge, particularly if they fall
into the wrong hands. That was the stark message of Janet Whittaker's adaptation of the Bronte classic, which transformed
the story into a melodrama of female potentiality, in which Heathcliff (John Duttine) vainly endeavoured to impose his
authority on those around him. Although capable of great love, he remained detached from everyone - especially Cathy
(Amanda Root) and Catherine (Emma Fielding). It was as if he was frightened of commitment, yet could not admit his shortcomings
to anyone; the only way he could deal with them was through violence towards women. By this means Whittaker showed the
limitations of patriarchy; in their view Heathcliff did not deserve his position as hero of Bronte's novel. The
true possessor of self-knowledge was Nelly (Sharon Duce), who remained content with her social position. Unlike the men around
her, she realized that prosperity was nothing more than a male-oriented strategy, designed to reinforce their domination
over women.
The production's focus on Heathcliff's shortcomings was emphasized by the casting
of Duttine in the role. Although an accomplished character actor, he has made his name by playing flawed heroes - many years
ago he starred in an acclaimed adaptation of Delderfield's To Serve Them All My Days. In Wuthering Heights Heathcliff's
principal shortcoming was one of insecurity - emphasized by the actor's use of a stammer, which he tried to cover up by shouting
louder and louder. Eventually the ordeal proved too much for him; unable to face the outside world any longer, he retreated
to a life of isolation in his study.
By contrast the female characters - particularly Catherine - embarked on a journey
of emotional growth. Partly this was achieved through life-experiences; but books also played an important part. Unlike some
of the other Bronte heroines (for example, Agnes Grey in Anne Bronte's novel of the same name), Emily's characters in this
adaptation did not confuse romantic fiction and real life. Rather they made use of the knowledge gleaned from books to develop
self-awareness. This rendered them a potential threat both to Heathcliff's masculinity and his authority as master of the
house. By the end of the adaptation Catherine (with Cathy as a ghostly presence in the background) was in the ascendancy,
even though she appeared to occupy a socially inferior position to Heathcliff.
This was a low-key adaptation, avoiding the melodramatic excesses associated with
the recent ITV adaptation - for example, Heathcliff bursting into tears. Rather Whittaker showed how his life was dominated
by "unquiet slumbers" as he tried and failed to assert his masculinity.
