Laurence Olivier perfect Heathcliff
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Wuthering Heights
soccersweetie_83 — 22 years ago(February 01, 2004 11:14 AM)
Olivier portrayed Heathcliff perfectly! Every film made afterwards was fruitless in finding a fitting actor for Heathcliff's character. He's exactly what Bronte created in her wonderfully crafted novel.
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idazzlex — 22 years ago(February 06, 2004 09:52 PM)
I think Olivier was great, this is my favorite of all of his films, and my favorite film version of Wuthering Heights, even though it ends halfway through the book.
If you ask me there aren't enough blue foods~ Mark Darcy -
katzmeow13301 — 21 years ago(July 30, 2004 10:31 PM)
I haven't seen Ralph Fienne's performance but I did see Timothy Dalton's and I feel Olivier's performance still stands as the best Heathcliff caught on film. It was a passionate performance, he gave his heart and soul, he WAS Heathcliff!
"You complete me" -
angel_de_tourvel — 21 years ago(September 01, 2004 12:10 PM)
Yes I loved him too. Did you like him more as a stable boy or a gentleman?? I think he just looked so gorgeous as a stable boy such a darling, so cuddly (not in the sort of teddy bear sense but the more u want to hug him sense) Every line he says to Cathy on the crag is so passionate and meaningful. It makes me love him all the more.
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rrb — 20 years ago(July 23, 2005 11:24 PM)
Ralph Fiennes is an excellent Heathcliff, and that version is an intelligent, well acted presentation of the full novel. But it's not the sumptuous romance that the 1939 film is. Fiennes gives us Healthcliff as a brooder, a loner, a twisted man whose one touch of humanity, his love for Kathy, is corrupted by bitterness & brutality. Olivier's Heathcliff, in contrast, is noble: his thirst for vengeance seems justified, not cruel; his adoration of Kathy decent, not selfish. He is heroic, stunningly handsome, and aristocratic even as a stable boy. While the Fiennes version is more faithfull to the letter of the story, the Wyler version captures and even expands the spirit of Bronte's wildly passionate work. Its commitment to the emotions of the lovers forces you to take the movie, melodrama & all, on its own terms.
It is more than a filmed adaption. It stands on its own as Hollywood's greatest romance. -
wisherc13 — 18 years ago(May 08, 2007 08:44 PM)
I agree, no actor cast as Heathcliff has ever (or very likely WILL ever) topped Olivier's performance as Heathcliff. This was one of, if not THE best of his work. His acting is impeccable, as he portrays so much passion and creates a character that the audience can truly empathize with- even when he is committing his most ruthless and vengeful acts- and shows that even the hardened-aristocratic Heathcliff is just a shunned, hurt boy on the inside who's only real wish is to be with Cathy.
A bit mushy put in those terms, but still utterly romantic -
tariq_shafi75 — 18 years ago(May 09, 2007 05:28 AM)
Laurence Olivier was great as Heathcliff. Merle Oberon was fantastic as Cathy also. The death scene was masterful as were the scenes between Heathcliff and Cathy, especially considering that Oberon and Olivier didn't get along at all on set.
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Lilbitdramatic23 — 18 years ago(May 15, 2007 07:05 PM)
Normally, I love Laurence Olivier, but I really didn't like his Heathcliff. Nor did I like Merle Oberon's Cathy. I love the book and I felt that their portrayals were radically different, and didn't do justice to the complex characters of the book. I find the characters in the novel pretty unlikable, but so achingly human that to see them any other way seems shallow and wrong.
I just watched this film for the first time and, I must say, I'm a bit disappointed. I knew that it ended after Cathy's death, so I was prepared for that, but I was not prepared for the radically different tone and characterizations. I was really hoping I would like this since I've heard so many good things about it and waited so long for a chance to see it. Oh well.
(BTW, I do agree that Olivier was utterly gorgeous in this!
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new_hollywood — 18 years ago(July 03, 2007 10:03 PM)
Laurence Olivier was amazing in Wuthering Heights! I honestly cannot picture another actor being able to portray Heathcliff better than him. He was literally made for that role and watching the movie it really shows!
Laurence Olivier is a seriously talented actor and gorgeous might I add! I mean him as Heathcliff was perfect! I haven't seen the other versions of Wuthering Heights but still for me when I imagine or picture Heathcliff, I see Laurence Olivier. I can't imagine Heathcliff looking any other way, acting any other way, or so on.
I don't think I ever really appreciated or knew too much about Laurence Olivier till I watched him as Heathcliff. Now though I believe he was and is one of the greatest actors of all time. I really cannot see Heathcliff any other way or played by any other actor. Olivier made this role his thats for sure.
Cold Mountain~ Inman: "Icameback."