Production designer Suzie Davies has revealed that Margot Robbie's skin was photographed and printed onto fabric to create the wallpaper for Cathy's bedroom in the upcoming film adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights'. The film, directed by Emerald Fennell, features sets designed to feel moist, reflective and sweaty to evoke discomfort.
Davies explained that she asked Robbie to send high-resolution images of her arms and veins, which were then printed onto the fabric used for padded wall panels. 'We've slightly accentuated her veins,' Davies said. The design also included an attempt to incorporate Robbie's belly button above the fireplace, but that was deemed too weird.
The production designer built both Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange on sound stages. For Wuthering Heights, she raised the set by two feet to install a drainage system for practical rain effects. The interiors were kept muted and 'bruise-like', inspired by a granite quarry in North Wales that gave a brutalist feel.
Thrushcross Grange was designed to be excessive and symmetrical, with oversized windows and doorways, polished plaster ceilings and floors. The garden featured real trees and flowers. Davies also created a 1/12th scale dollhouse of the Grange before building the full-size version.
Throughout the sets, hands appear as decorative elements, including casts of the art department's hands used for ceiling roses and shadow puppets in the library. Davies said these were placed 'in the hope that they're little subconscious things'.
