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Courier-Mail
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
‘Aggressively provocative': Test screener for Margot Robbie's ‘Wuthering Heights' film gets mixed reviews
Don't miss out on the headlines from Upcoming Movies. Followed categories will be added to My News. Wuthering Heights devotees are in for a rude shock, it seems. The beloved 1800s novel written by Emily Brontë is yet again being adapted for the screen, with Australian actress Margot Robbie and fellow Aussie Jacob Elordi in the lead roles of Catherine and Heathcliff. Directed by Saltburn filmmaker Emerald Fennell, the upcoming feature film has already copped significant controversy after photos emerged from the set earlier this year, with many taking issue with Robbie's age, her costume and styling, and even with her face looking too 'modern' for a story set in the late 1700s. Now, a test screener hosted in Dallas, Texas, is said to have generated a deeply mixed reaction among viewers, described as 'aggressively provocative' and 'tonally abrasive'. Never miss the latest entertainment news from Australia and around the world — download the app direct to your phone. Margot Robbie pictured on set of 'Wuthering Heights' in the UK in March. Picture: BACKGRID According to movie website World of Reel, 'There's hypersexualised imagery — far more explicit than any previous adaptation of this material.' The outlet further claims, 'The film opens with a public [redacted] that quickly descends into grotesque absurdity, as the condemned man ejaculates mid-execution, sending the onlooking crowd into a kind of orgiastic frenzy. A nun even fondles the corpse's visible erection. 'Later, a woman is strapped into a horse's reins for a BDSM-tinged encounter. There are several masturbation scenes shot in that now-signature Fennell style — intimate, clinical, and purposefully discomforting.' The publication cites an attendee saying Robbie and Elordi have 'great chemistry', but described the characters as 'unlikeable'. Australian actor Jacob Elordi plays Heathcliff in the film. Picture:It's not usual for reviews to emerge from highly-confidential test screenings, which are traditionally held by production companies to gauge audience reaction prior to the film's completion and ultimate release. Production on Wuthering Heights, which took place in the UK, officially wrapped in April. And a warning, some story spoilers below. The book – considered one of the most famous pieces literature ever written – follows the doomed romance between Catherine and Heathcliff, whose passionate love story is marred by societal constraints. Juliette Binoche alongside Ralph Fiennes in the 1992 version of Wuthering Heights. Forgotten Film That Launched Margot Robbie's Career Video Player is loading. Play Video This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. 01:28 SUBSCRIBER ONLY Forgotten Film That Launched Margot Robbie's Career more more began when she was cast in two films in the late 2000s before she ever set foot in Ramsay St. Take a look at where Margot's career...... ... more Amid the backlash when Robbie – a three-time Oscar nominee – was cast, many took issue with the actress' age. At 35, the Queensland-born star is some 16 years older than Catherine. While it's certainly not uncommon for mature actors to portray younger characters, much of the tragedy of the novel lies in the premature nature of Catherine's death during childbirth, as Heathcliff lives on tormented to have lost her before they have a chance to be together. Others also felt Robbie didn't quite capture a 17th-century woman, with one critic claiming she looks 'straight out of Sephora'. Previous adaptations saw actress Merle Oberon, then in her late twenties, star alongside Laurence Olivier in a 1939 movie, as well as Juliette Binoche, also in her twenties, alongside Ralph Fiennes in the 1992 version. Actress Kaya Scodelario was 19 when she played Cathy in a 2011 film adaptation, alongside James Howson as Heathcliff. With a flurry of adaptations having already been made, it's perhaps unsurprising Fennell is looking to infuse some shock factor. Warner Bros is distributing the film, with a planned February 2026 cinema release. Originally published as 'Aggressively provocative': Test screener for Margot Robbie's 'Wuthering Heights' film cops mixed reviews
Metro
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Controversial book adaptation shocks viewers with BDSM sex
Emerald Fennell's controversial adaptation of Wuthering Heights has been met with shock and labelled 'aggressively provocative' by initial audiences. Fennell's 2023 dark comedy Saltburn, starring Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, caused quite the stir when it was released a couple of years ago. The film featured darkly erotic scenes and was praised for its severe sexual content and nudity, as well as its frequent depiction of violence and gore. Because of this huge success, the announcement that Fennell would be directing an adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights was met with excitement – and concern from literary fans. The casting of Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie respectively as Heathcliff and Cathy, raised major eyebrows, and now it's been reported that an initial first screening of the unfinished film has left many shocked by the content of the period piece. World of Reel revealed that the adaptation included -among other shocking scenes – a nun fondling a corpse, BDSM, and sexualised slugs and egg yolks. Attendees have reported that the film includes 'hyper-sexualised imagery' with a 'grotesque' scene that sees a public hanging end with the condemned man ejaculating during the execution. This is followed up with some blasphemous necrophia from a nun who 'fondles the corpse's visible erection'. There are 'several masturbation scenes' that are 'purposefully discomforting' and a 'BDSM-tinged encounter' involving a woman being strapped into some horse reins. There are also some rather sexy textures, including 'egg yolks running through fingers', sliding slugs, and a bit of dirty dough kneading. Test screenings can often lead to major edits to the film, and with Fennell's film not set to be released until February 2026, who knows if any of this will make it to the final cut! The film has faced criticism for casting Elordi, yet another white actor to play Heathcliff, a famously non-white role that was written by Brontë. On one page of the original novel, Heathcliff is described as a 'dark-skinned gipsy in aspect', while another refers to his 'dusky fingers'. Characters debate his appearance to be of a 'Lascar' – a dated description meaning a sailor from India or Southeast Asia – or 'an American or Spanish castaway'. Casting director Kharmel Cochrane worked on the film and is one of the biggest names in her field in the UK, having previously worked on the likes of Nosferatu, Saltburn, Bob Marley: One Love. While at the Sands International Film Festival of St Andrews, she told Metro that she is very much aware of the abuse directed at her after her casting choices for the film. 'I have really had to hold back on Instagram after a glass of wine, because I think someone was like, 'The casting director should be shot',' she said. More Trending 'There's definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy.' She then added: 'Wait until you see the set design, because it's even more shocking. And there may or may not be a dog collar in it.' 'You can read anything into a book and make it your interpretation. And it's really easy to sit online and say things, but just wait until you've watched it, and then you can say – maybe not that I deserve to be shot – but you can say what you want!' Cochrane suggests. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Michael Bay leaves Will Smith Netflix film over 'creative differences' MORE: I know Freakier Friday is an unnecessary sequel – but it makes good choices MORE: Scarlett Johansson's 'terrible' English accent in new film leaves fans unimpressed
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Michael Madsen, iconic 'Reservoir Dogs' and 'Kill Bill' actor, dies at 67
Hollywood's 'Tough Guy' Madsen, known to play rusty roughed up characters starring in era defining cinema like ' Reservoir Dogs ' and 'Kill Bill' passed away at his Malibu home in the wee hours of Thursday. He was 67, as per reports. No foul play is suspected in his death. It is believed to be from natural causes. His manager, Ron Smith, later confirmed the cause of death was cardiac arrest. Madsen was working on new indie movies like Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives before he died. He was also planning to release a new book titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems. It was still being edited. His team said he was excited about this next chapter in his life. They called him 'one of Hollywood's most iconic actors' and said he will be missed by many, as stated in the report by NBC Los Angeles. Who was Michael Madsen? Michael Madsen was famous for playing 'tough guy' roles in Hollywood for over 40 years. He was best known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films like Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill Vol. 2. In Reservoir Dogs, he played the character 'Mr. Blonde' — a crazy thief who tortured a cop in a famous razor scene, according to reports. ALSO READ: Consumer group slams Microsoft for leaving Windows 10 users stuck without options Live Events That one violent scene made him a legend among Tarantino fans. Madsen also played 'Budd' in Kill Bill, a retired bouncer who kept a samurai sword in a golf bag. He was supposed to return in a Tarantino spin-off called The Vega Brothers, but the movie never got made, as mentioned in the report by World of Reel. As per the NBC Los Angeles, other famous movies he acted in were Thelma & Louise, Donnie Brasco, and many more. He was also the brother of actress Virginia Madsen. Besides big movies, Madsen did a ton of straight-to-video films — over 200 screen credits total. Some of those low-budget movies were filmed in a few days, but he never stopped working. He always said yes to a role. Even when the movie wasn't great, Madsen gave it his best and kept acting because he loved the job. People say he had a cool, gravelly voice, and a poetic side, too — tough on screen but deep inside. Fans and critics say the film world now feels 'less cool' without him, according to the report by World of Reel. FAQs Q1. What was the cause of Michael Madsen's death? Michael Madsen died from cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu. No foul play is suspected. Q2. What are Michael Madsen's most famous movie roles? Michael Madsen was best known for playing Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs and Budd in Kill Bill Vol. 2. He also starred in Donnie Brasco, Thelma & Louise, and over 200 other films.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Roman Polanski's ‘An Officer and a Spy' to Play in U.S., Six Years After Venice Premiere
Roman Polanski's 'An Officer and a Spy' is finally getting a U.S. release, six years after premiering at the 2019 Venice Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize under Lucrecia Martel's jury. The film, which won four of its 12 César nominations including Best Director in 2020, is now set for a two-week limited engagement, starting August 8, at New York City's Film Forum. Film Forum isn't handling the release beyond showings at its own venue, IndieWire has learned, which were booked by 'An Officer and a Spy' producer Alain Goldman. News of the engagement was included deep into Film Forum's summer programming announcement that went out Monday, June 9 (and also highlighted by World of Reel). More from IndieWire 'Horsegirls' Review: The World's Most Unexpected Sport Provides a Clever Way Into This Very Personal Dramedy Chanel Returns to New York City for Its Star-Studded 18th Annual Tribeca Artists Dinner 'An Officer and a Spy' is led by Louis Garrel, who portrays French army Captain Alfred Dreyfus after his trial. The politically scandalous Dreyfus affair took place around the turn of the 19th century in France, with Dreyfus banished to Devil's Island after being found guilty of treason, accused of spreading military secrets to Germany. It was later discovered that the trial's verdict was decided upon, and with little evidence, due to Dreyfus' Jewish faith amid a climate of antisemitism in France. In the film, Jean Dujardin plays the French head of counter-espionage, Georges Picquart, who eventually helped reveal Dreyfus' innocence amid Picquart's own arrest and imprisonment for his views. The scandal was first depicted onscreen by Georges Méliès in 1899. Polanski's film comes with a personal bent: The Oscar-winning director, who has been accused and charged of various counts of sexual assault and has since exiled himself from Hollywood after numerous legal battles, distributed press notes before the premiere of 'An Officer and a Spy' at Venice, citing the parallels between his career and Dreyfus' legacy. 'I can see the same determination to deny the facts and condemn me for things I have not done,' Polanski wrote. 'My work is not therapy. However, I must admit that I am familiar with many of the workings of the apparatus of persecution shown in the film, and that has clearly inspired me.' 'An Officer and a Spy' went on to receive four nominations at the European Film Awards as well as its 12 César noms — the most that year at the French film honors — after a theatrical release in Europe. The film hasn't been seen in the U.S. until now. Polanski's last movie to receive a U.S. release was 2017's 'Based on a True Story.' Other assault allegations have followed the director since he sexually assaulted Samantha Geimer in 1977 when she was 13, leading North American distributors to distance themselves from his work. Geimer has since forgiven and even defended Polanski. 'An Officer and a Spy,' however, is not even Polanski's most recent movie. His 2023 'The Palace,' also a Venice Film Festival premiere, starred Mickey Rourke and John Cleese and garnered the kind of excorciating reviews for its eat-the-rich satire that all but guaranteed the film would never play in the U.S. It was a box-office bomb in Europe. Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See
Buzz Feed
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Martin Scorsese Just Revealed Why He Stopped Going To Movie Theaters
Martin Scorsese is done with seeing movies in theaters. The legendary director revealed why he stopped going, and the reason has sparked *quite* a conversation. Peter Travers from The Travers Take (via World of Reel) interviewed Scorcese about his aversion to theaters: "I asked the maestro why he doesn't see movies in theaters anymore and he went all raging bull about audiences who babble on phones during the movie, leave to order snacks and vats of soda, and keep up a noise level loud enough to drown out the actors. 'Come on, Marty,' I said, 'we couldn't keep our mouths shut when we were kids.' His eyes darkened. 'Yeah, maybe,' he conceded, "but when we talked it was always about the movie and the fun we had chewing over the details." Now, a post from Discussing Film is going viral with people popping off with their own opinions on the current state of things. "He's right. You seriously can't go 5 minutes in a theater without seeing a phone light up somewhere in your theater, it's so fucking annoying," one person said. "Marty is right. Theater etiquette is at an all-time low," another person replied. And this person said, "It's a fair point. shushing people isn't enough for me I need a button that ejects repeat offenders from their seats." We have this person calling on lawmakers to make being on your phone a "jailable offense." Another person suggested bringing back public shame. And this person pointed out that people have no manners since the pandemic. Ultimately, nobody asked me, but it's wild that people PAY money to be on their phones the whole time in a theater: "Sadly 100% correct, baffles me forever that people pay 15+ quid then sit on snapchat/insta reels with no audio? Strange, annoying, pure ruining it." Thoughts?
