Entertainment And Arts

Wuthering Heights adaptation receives mixed reviews from critics

Film critics have had a varied reaction to Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Bronte’s timeless novel.

A new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell and featuring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, is set to hit theaters this Valentine's weekend, and early reviews from film critics have been mixed.

Jacob Elordi in a black suit as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Cathy in a white and red PVC dress — Emerald Fennell's reimagining of Wuthering Heights is being released to coincide with Valentine's Day

The classic novel by Emily Brontë tells the story of a tumultuous relationship between Cathy, a strong-willed and independent individual, and Heathcliff, a complex character driven by a mix of passion and darkness.

In a review published by The Guardian, critic Peter Bradshaw gave the film two stars, stating that it failed to deliver an emotionally resonant experience, instead describing it as a misstep.

Conversely, Robbie Collin of The Telegraph praised the adaptation, awarding it a perfect five-star score and highlighting its bold and unapologetic portrayal of the characters and their world.

The film has generated significant interest and debate since its announcement, with discussions surrounding the casting choices and the inclusion of scenes that appear to be inspired by BDSM themes.

The upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights is set against the backdrop of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with Timothée Elordi, 28, and Margot Robbie, 35, taking on the iconic roles of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.

Robbie as Cathy and Elordi as Heathcliff on the Yorkshire Moors

The marketing campaign for the film employs quotation marks around the title, "Wuthering Heights", to convey that this is a unique interpretation of the classic novel by director Emerald Fennell, accompanied by a soundtrack album written by singer Charli XCX.

According to The Guardian's critic, Peter Bradshaw, Fennell's rendition of Wuthering Heights amplifies the dramatic elements, resulting in a film that resembles a lavish, 20-page fashion spread, complete with torn bodices and hints of BDSM.

In anticipation of potential criticism that the film may prioritize spectacle over depth, The Telegraph's critic, Collin, offered a spirited defense of the movie.

Collin argued that the film's emphasis on style does not come at the expense of substance, instead suggesting that Fennell has successfully demonstrated how style can, in itself, be a form of substance when executed effectively.

The intense emotions of Cathy and Heathcliff have a profound impact on their environment, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer long after the film has ended.

Several reviews drew comparisons between the film and the works of Mills & Boon, with critic Dulcie Pearce of the Sun noting that certain aspects of the movie seemed to have been inspired by the publisher's romance novels rather than the original book by Brote.

Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie at the UK premiere of Wuthering Heights, against a backdrop of the Yorkshire Moors — The film's UK premiere saw the red carpet backdrop recreated to look like the Yorkshire Moors

According to Pearce, the film's emphasis on style and drama comes at the expense of substance, resulting in a narrative that prioritizes sensuality over meaningful content.

Clarisse Loughrey of the Independent was highly critical of the film, awarding it only one star and likening it to a subpar Mills & Boon novel, citing Emerald Fennell's adaptation as particularly disappointing.

The performances of Robbie and Elordi were seen as overly dramatic, while Fennell's direction was criticized for perpetuating stereotypes that portray the poor as sexually promiscuous and the wealthy as naive and uptight.

In contrast to some negative reviews, certain critics offered more positive assessments, such as Danny Leigh of the Financial Times, who awarded the film three stars.

According to Leigh, the film's atmosphere becomes reminiscent of an arthouse comedy, complete with prolonged shots of egg whites, as the sexual tension builds.

The film's engaging quality is such that it overshadows even notable elements, such as Charli XCX's soundtrack, which becomes virtually unnoticeable.

Danny Leigh was not alone in drawing parallels between Wuthering Heights and the Carry On film series, with other critics making similar comparisons.

Donald Clarke of the Irish Times, also giving the film three stars, observed that the adaptation remains surprisingly faithful to Emily Brontë's original story, despite being billed as a deconstruction.

A comparison was made to the opening scene, likening it more to "Carry on Heathcliff" than the infamous "The 120 Days of Sodom".

Beth Webb of Empire magazine gave the film a three-star review, acknowledging its skilled craftsmanship.

According to Webb, director Fennell's adaptation is a sensory overload, highlighting Elordi's rising star status, but she noted that the film's erotic energy wanes towards the end.

David Rooney, writing for The Hollywood Reporter, commended the on-screen chemistry between co-stars Elordi and Robbie.

Emerald Fennell looks over her shoulder at the Wuthering Heights premiere in London, she has long blonde hair. — Emerald Fennell's previous films include Saltburn, which also had an element of shock value

Rooney described the leads as mesmerizing, with their chemistry being particularly notable, and praised Robbie's performance, which balanced impulsive behavior with profound regret.

Fennell's reimagining pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling, and those who can approach it with an open mind may find it to be the writer-director's most enjoyable film to date.

Vicky Jessop of the Standard also commended the on-screen chemistry between the lead actors, awarding the film four stars and noting that Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi deliver strong performances in this bold, high-camp take on Emily Bronte's classic novel.

According to Jessop, Emerald Fennell's direction is characterized by its unapologetic and unrestrained approach, resulting in a cinematic experience that is both intense and unflinching.

In contrast, Kevin Maher of the Times was less impressed, giving the film a two-star rating.

Maher drew a comparison between Robbie's role in the upcoming Barbie film, directed by Greta Gerwig, and her performance in this movie, suggesting that Fennell's portrayal of Heathcliff, played by Jacob Elordi, is underdeveloped and relies on superficial characteristics, including a questionable Yorkshire accent.

Critics' assessments varied, with Brian Viner of The Daily Mail awarding two stars, while Therese Lacson of Collider suggested that the adaptation would have been displeasing to Brontë.

In a separate review, David Sim of The Atlantic praised the film, stating that it is Fennell's most impressive work yet, offering a intensely passionate and entertaining cinematic experience.

The release date for Wuthering Heights in the UK is set for 13 February.

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Entertainment And Arts

Major film studios target advanced AI video generation technology

A new AI-powered video editing tool called Seedance has generated clips depicting fictional fights between celebrities, including Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, which have quickly gained widespread online attention.

Social media platforms have been inundated with clips generated using Seedance 2.0, a cutting-edge AI video tool. These clips feature reimagined scenes, such as Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt engaging in a rooftop brawl, or characters from Friends depicted as otters, showcasing the tool's capabilities.

A still from the AI-generated clip of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise fighting — An AI-generated clip of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise fighting has gone viral

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has introduced Seedance, touting it as a means to deliver "an ultra-realistic immersive experience" to users.

The emergence of Seedance has sparked concerns in the entertainment industry, with Rhett Reese, writer of the Deadpool series, expressing his unease, stating that the rise of this technology may signal the end of traditional creative roles.

Many of the clips created using Seedance are based on copyrighted materials, including films and TV shows featuring well-known actors. As a result, major US studios have demanded that the platform immediately stop infringing on their intellectual property rights.

Seedance allows users to generate highly realistic clips from simple text prompts, and users have been creating scenes inspired by popular franchises such as The Lord of the Rings, Seinfeld, and Avengers.

Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, stated that Seedance 2.0 has engaged in widespread unauthorized use of US copyrighted works in a short span, highlighting the need for the platform to respect intellectual property laws.

According to Rivkin, by launching a service without adequate safeguards against infringement, ByteDance is disregarding established copyright laws that protect creators' rights and support millions of American jobs.

The MPA has called on ByteDance to cease its infringing activities immediately, emphasizing the need to respect intellectual property rights.

The Motion Picture Association represents prominent US studios, including Netflix, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Bros Discovery, among others.

TikTok has acknowledged that some videos created using its pre-launch model have been shared, and the company claims to respect intellectual property rights and take potential infringement seriously.

In response to concerns, the company has suspended the ability for users to upload images of real individuals and is working to implement robust policies and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with local regulations.

A review by Forbes noted that Seedance 2.0 offers users a level of creative control similar to that of a human director, enabling them to produce high-quality content without requiring complex production tools.

While many users are excited about the creative possibilities offered by Seedance, Rhett Reese has expressed his concern about the implications of this technology on the entertainment industry.

Reese stated that he is worried about the potential loss of careers for many people in the industry, including his own, as a result of the rise of AI-generated content.

Reese clarified that his initial statement about the impact of Seedance was not meant to be flippant, but rather a genuine expression of his fear about the potential consequences of this technology on the entertainment industry.

Reese believes that the emergence of Seedance could revolutionize the entertainment industry, but also potentially lead to significant job losses, and he is concerned about the impact on his own career and those of his colleagues.

Heather Anne Campbell, a writer for Saturday Night Live and Rick & Morty, has noted that the content generated using Seedance is often similar to fan fiction, and that original ideas are still essential for creating engaging content.

Campbell observed that many users of AI visualization engines like Seedance are using them to create content based on existing franchises, rather than coming up with entirely new ideas.

Campbell suggested that having access to advanced AI tools like Seedance does not necessarily make it easier to create original content, as the hardest part of the creative process is often coming up with new and innovative ideas.

Entertainment And Arts

Spielberg Contributes $25,000 to Van Der Beek’s $2 Million Crowdfunding Campaign

The relatives of the deceased actor, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, have expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the $2m fund.

A donation of $25,000 (£21,000) has been made by film director Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, to a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $2m (£1.6m) for the family of late actor James Van Der Beek.

James Van Der Beek wearing a maroon dickie bow while smiling for the cameras on arrival at the 2019 Emmy Awards — James Van Der Beek's character Dawson was a famous fan of filmmaker Spielberg

Van Der Beek, who passed away at the age of 48, is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children, and the crowdfunding effort to support his family has now exceeded its initial target of $2m.

Other notable donors include Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldana, who contributed $2,500 (£2,108), and director Jon M Chu, who gave $10,000 (£8,432) to the cause.

A statement from the organizers of the fundraiser, Friends of the Van Der Beek family, expressed gratitude to all contributors, stating that their support is deeply appreciated.

The statement highlighted the significance of the donations, saying that the kindness shown by contributors is beyond words.

It also noted that the outpouring of support has been a source of comfort during a difficult time, serving as a reminder of the power of love, community, and the enduring legacy of James Van Der Beek.

Van Der Beek was perhaps best known for his starring role in the popular US teen drama series Dawson's Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003, although he remained associated with the show until 2023.

Although Van Der Beek and Spielberg never collaborated on a project, the late actor's character in Dawson's Creek was a fan of Spielberg's work, with posters of films like ET and Schindler's List featured in his bedroom.

At a Dawson's Creek cast reunion event last year, Spielberg paid tribute to Van Der Beek by sending a video message.

In the message, Spielberg said, "Dawson, you made it," and jokingly added that he hoped to one day have a room like Dawson's, filled with memorabilia from his films.

Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday after a battle with bowel cancer.

Steven Spielberg arrives for the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, USA, 10 February 2026 — Spielberg made a surprise video appearance at last year's Dawson's Creek reunion

He had been dealing with the diagnosis since August 2023 and publicly disclosed his condition in November 2024.

The GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the family with medical expenses, which had depleted their funds.

The statement from the organizers concluded by saying that the family is currently taking time to grieve and be together, and thanked everyone for their compassionate and generous support in honoring James Van Der Beek's life.

Entertainment And Arts

Bookstore Seeks to Revitalize Romance Genre

In Leamington, a bookstore caters specifically to adults, offering a selection of literature that focuses on the genres of dark romance and romantasy with mature themes.

This weekend, a bookstore claiming to be Europe's largest specialty store for adult romance novels is set to open its doors.

A woman with long blonde hair is wearing a black long sleeved top and is standing in front of shelves of books. — Visiting independent romance bookshops in the US inspired the creation of The Spicy Librarian

With over 2,500 titles in stock, The Spicy Librarian in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, aims to shine a light on various romance sub-genres, providing a welcoming space for book enthusiasts to unwind.

The bookstore's founder, who prefers to remain anonymous, cited her lifelong passion for reading, which began at the age of 14, and her experiences shopping at independent stores in the US as the inspiration behind the venture.

Recounting her visit to an independent romance shop in the US, the founder said, "I spent an hour browsing and left with seven new books, having also made a new friend – it was a truly memorable experience."

The Spicy Librarian has planned a range of events, including monthly book clubs, community nights, and a subscription service featuring works by independent authors.

According to the founder, her goal is to create a sense of familiarity and comfort for customers, making them feel like they've been to the store many times before, even on their first visit.

Ali Maynard-James, a member of the store's team, highlighted the unique nature of their offerings, which differ from traditional romance novels, focusing instead on the "spicy romantasy" and "dark romance" sub-genres.

Two dark-green bookshelves are stocked with books and a green circular rug is placed on wooden floor. There are chairs placed by a window to the left. — The Spicy Librarian has more than 2,500 titles stocked in-store

Maynard-James noted that the characters in these stories are empowered, driving the narrative forward, making their own decisions, and navigating complex worlds, setting them apart from traditional romance protagonists.

She added that readers can relate to the female characters in these stories because they are multidimensional and flawed, reflecting the complexities of real-life individuals.

Indie author J Rose expressed her gratitude for having her work featured in the store, acknowledging that independent authors often lack the recognition afforded to traditionally published writers.

A woman with short blonde hair is wearing a black top and a brown blazer. She is holding a book that says 'Blackwood Institute'. — Author J Rose has "stopped counting" her book releases which happen several times a year

Rose described the experience of having her books in the store as "incredibly fulfilling," knowing that readers are engaging with her work, which she considers pieces of herself.

Rose emphasized the importance of independent bookstores, praising The Spicy Librarian for being "curated by readers, for readers," providing a platform for sharing passions and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Romance novelist Florence Keeling, a Coventry native, writes under her own name, as well as the pen names Charlie Dean and Tanya Mounts, specializing in darker romance material.

A collection of the covers of some of the books written by Florence Keeling, either under her own name or under one of her pen-names Charlie Dean — Florence Keeling writes romance novels under three different names, including spicy romance as Tanya Mounts

With a decade of experience writing romance novels, Keeling has observed a growing interest in the genre, particularly in "spicy" books, as readers become more confident in their preferences.

Keeling attributed her decision to explore the romance genre to a desire to tap into the universal human experiences of affection and connection, saying, "I thought, 'why not give it a try?'"

In her Tanya Mounts series, Keeling focuses on creating strong, older female characters who take charge of their lives, defying traditional romance novel tropes.

These characters, according to Keeling, are not passive or submissive, but rather empowered individuals who drive the narrative forward, taking control of their own lives.