A new teaser for a project related to the classic novel Wuthering Heights has caused a major reaction online. The video features actors Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Many people on social media are upset about the project’s tone. They feel it gives an erotic and modern twist to the beloved story by Emily Brontë. The teaser is not for a new movie adaptation. It is actually a promotional campaign for a fragrance.
The teaser was released by the luxury brand Yves Saint Laurent. It is part of their new Black Opium perfume advertising. The short film is called “Black Opium Le Parfum.” It is directed by the famous filmmaker Garth Davis. The video shows Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in a dramatic and romantic setting. The mood is intense and dark. This style is very different from the original gothic novel. It led many viewers to initially believe it was a trailer for a new Wuthering Heights movie.
Fans of the classic book were quick to share their opinions online. Many comments expressed anger and disappointment. They believe the teaser disrespects the original work. The novel Wuthering Heights is known for its complex story of love and revenge. It is not known for being a romantic or erotic story. The strong online reaction shows how protective people are of classic literature.
Online Reaction to the YSL Teaser
The teaser quickly spread on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Many users expressed their shock. They could not believe a classic like Wuthering Heights was being used to sell perfume. The comments section was filled with criticism from book lovers around the world.
One user wrote about the author, Emily Brontë. They questioned the need for a sensual version of her work.
“What would Emily Brontë think? This is not what her book is about. They are using her name to sell a product. It feels wrong.”
Another user was very direct with their criticism. They defended the legacy of the Brontë family.
“How dare you do this to Brontë? This is a complete misinterpretation of a classic novel. It is a shameful marketing tactic.”
Some comments focused on the actors, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. People know them from big movies like Barbie and Euphoria. Many fans said they are great actors. However, they felt this project was beneath them. They were surprised to see them involved in a perfume ad that uses a famous book’s name.
“Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie are talented. Why did they agree to this? It makes a classic story look cheap and sensational.”
Not everyone was negative. A few people online liked the cinematic style of the teaser. They thought it was beautiful and dramatic. They enjoyed the performance of the two actors. But these positive comments were greatly outnumbered by the critical ones.
Understanding the Original Wuthering Heights
To understand the backlash, it is important to know the source material. Wuthering Heights is a novel written by Emily Brontë. It was first published in 1847. The story is a cornerstone of English literature. It is a tragic tale set on the Yorkshire moors in England.
The story revolves around the intense relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Their connection is deep and destructive. It is not a simple love story. It explores themes of social class, revenge, and the supernatural. The book is famous for its dark and gloomy atmosphere. It is not a romantic or sensual tale in the modern sense.
The characters are flawed and often unlikeable. Heathcliff is known for his cruel and vengeful behavior. Catherine is spoiled and makes choices that lead to misery. The novel is a masterpiece because of its complex characters and emotional power. Turning this story into a perfume ad surprised and offended many literature fans.
The Marketing Strategy Behind the Campaign
Yves Saint Laurent is a famous French fashion house. Their Black Opium perfume line is very popular. The brand is known for its bold and glamorous advertising. This campaign uses a classic love story to sell a modern product. This is a common tactic in the beauty industry.
The teaser is a short film. It features Margot Robbie as a character similar to Catherine. Jacob Elordi plays a character like Heathcliff. The video shows them in a passionate embrace during a storm. The setting is a dark and dramatic mansion. The voiceover talks about an “addictive” and “electric” love. This connects to the perfume’s name and its promise of a thrilling scent.
The director, Garth Davis, is known for his serious films. He directed Lion and Mary Magdalene. His involvement gave the teaser a high-quality and cinematic look. The campaign’s goal is to create a strong emotional feeling. They want people to connect those feelings with the Black Opium perfume.
However, using a well-respected literary title without clearly being an ad caused confusion. Many people thought they were watching a movie trailer. This led to disappointment when they realized it was just for a fragrance.
The Role of Actors Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie
Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie are two of the biggest stars in Hollywood right now. Their involvement brought a lot of attention to this campaign. Margot Robbie is an Oscar-nominated actress. She is famous for her roles in The Wolf of Wall Street, I, Tonya, and Barbie. Jacob Elordi became a star from the The Kissing Booth movies and the HBO series Euphoria.
Both actors have a huge fan base. Their fans were excited to see them together in a new project. The dramatic and period-style costumes also sparked talk. Some people thought they would be perfect in a real Wuthering Heights movie. This made the reveal that it was a perfume ad even more surprising.
Actors often partner with luxury brands for endorsement deals. These deals are a major part of their income. There is no indication that Elordi or Robbie knew about the negative reaction. They were likely hired to portray a moody and intense couple. They did not write the script or create the marketing concept.
The Bigger Picture of Classic Literature in Ads
This is not the first time a company has used classic literature to sell products. Books and characters that are in the public domain are often used this way. Public domain means the copyright has expired. Anyone can use the characters and stories without paying for the rights.
This makes stories like Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, and Sherlock Holmes easy to use in advertising. Brands use them because they are instantly recognizable. They come with built-in emotions and expectations. However, this can be risky. Fans of the original works can become angry if they feel the material is not respected.
The YSL campaign tried to use the story’s passion and drama. They wanted to associate those feelings with their perfume. The strong negative reaction shows that this strategy can backfire. It can make the brand seem out of touch or disrespectful to culture.
What Happens Next for the Campaign
As of now, Yves Saint Laurent has not publicly responded to the online criticism. The teaser remains on their official social media channels. The campaign for Black Opium Le Parfum is still running. It is common for brands to not acknowledge this type of backlash. They often continue with their planned marketing schedule.
The discussion online has brought a lot of attention to the perfume. Some marketing experts say that all attention is good attention. The debate has made more people aware of the new fragrance release. However, it is unclear if this will help or hurt sales in the long term.
The conversation also shows the power of social media. Fans of a book from the 1800s were able to start a global conversation. They defended a story they love from what they see as a misuse by a corporate brand. This event highlights the strong connection people have with classic literature.
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Credits: The Guardian
