Eclecticism

...making decisions on the basis of what seems best instead of following some single doctrine or style.
Me in a nutshell!!!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Gothic Friday...



What is your favorite Gothic Novel/Story?

Last night my daughter and I sat down to watch Masterpiece Theatre's 2008 Wuthering Heights with Thomas Hardy and Charlotte Riley. I have to say of all the film adaptations of this story that I have seen so far this has been my favorite. Thomas Hardy is the quintessential Heathcliff. I think if Miss Bronte could tell us now 200 years later who she would visualize Heathcliff to be she would choose Mr. Hardy. No doubt a ruggedly handsome young man, but one fine actor. He really captured the character. Same can be said for Charlotte Riley playing Kathy. There was no holding back in this adaptation, there was passion, jealousy, envy, revenge and of course true love. The scenes were perfect and panoramic on Yorkshire Moors. Truly Gothic at it's best. I still haven't seen the adaptation with Ralph Finnes and Juliette Binoche. It looks very good as well. I am very fond of both Mr. Finnes and Ms. Binoche as actors.






Wuthering Heights is a classic. There is good reason for it. The story is timeless it will not grow old or out of date for generations to come if ever. If you haven't read this book, it's in your library for sure or for sale cheap at your local book seller. It's the kind of book that will stay with you for a long time after finished. I love this story, it is a true Gothic Romance at it's best. I am always amazed that a young, isolated woman such as Emily Bronte could write with such breath of emotion. She really was gifted and I am so sorry that she died at such a young age that we do not have more of her to read.


Please share with us your favorite Gothic Novel/Story and why. I would love to have more recommendations.
















6 comments:

  1. I love the version with Tom Hardy -- he brings an intensity to almost everything he does.

    You can't go wrong with JANE EYRE. I loved the version (also shown on Masterpiece Theatre) with Toby Stephens (Dame Maggie Smith's son) as Rochester!

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  2. I can't believe you didn't post a pic from Mr. hottie potatie himself! After all the drooling we did last night?? Favorite Gothic?? Has to be Wuthering Heights. Every time I read (or watch with Tom Hardy, heh, heh...) I can't get over the sheer twistedness of it. How in the world, or maybe why in the world would she imagine such a vicious villain as a romantic hero and the elaborate cruelties the characters inflict on each other? Never ceases to fascinate!

    BEST WUTHERING HEIGHTS EVER!

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  3. Aarggh! I'm so glad someone else completely loves this rendition of Wuthering Heights. I've watched it four times now, and will watch it many more. I too think Tom Hardy simply nailed the part of Heathcliff. He is amazing.

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  4. Oh noes! I was about to answer Withering Heights when i see you must have STOLEN my reocmmendation hehehe


    - Aimee
    www.myflutteringheart.blogspot.com

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  5. Wuthering Heights is my favorite book of all time. I am absolutely enthralled by the magic that is Catherine and Heathcliff. I have never found a version of the movie I liked yet but will have to check this one out. I heard they are coming out with another one soon staring Ed Westwick which I am excited about as I love him.

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  6. This is on my tivo but I wanted to re-read the book first. My mom didn't like this version, but said maybe she didn't rememver the book well. What a nice mom and daughter evening.

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