Oscar-winning cinematographer Linus Sandgren has revealed the creative vision behind the visual style of Wuthering Heights, explaining why the production embraced the classic VistaVision film format instead of relying fully on IMAX technology.
Working alongside director Emerald Fennell, Sandgren focused on creating a visually emotional and textured experience for the adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The film stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, bringing the legendary romance to modern audiences with a rich cinematic approach.
According to Sandgren, the filmmakers wanted the movie to feel tactile and atmospheric rather than overly polished. Most scenes were shot on traditional 35mm film to preserve visible grain and emotional texture. However, when filming expansive landscapes and grand interior sequences, the production needed higher image clarity while maintaining the organic qualities of film.
To achieve this balance, the team selected VistaVision — a large-format 35mm process known for delivering sharper images without losing cinematic grain. The format was especially useful for capturing the Yorkshire moors and detailed manor house sequences featured throughout the movie.
Sandgren explained that each filming format creates a different emotional response, and choosing the right one depends entirely on the story being told. While IMAX is ideal for large-scale epic productions, VistaVision better suited the romantic and artistic tone of Wuthering Heights.
The cinematographer also discussed his recent work on Dune: Part Three directed by Denis Villeneuve, where IMAX cameras were used extensively to emphasize scale and spectacle. Unlike the softer texture of VistaVision, IMAX provides extremely sharp and immersive visuals designed for large-screen viewing.
In recent years, VistaVision has experienced a revival in Hollywood as filmmakers search for alternatives to digital cinematography. Several major productions have started experimenting with the format again, appreciating its ability to combine detail with the timeless look of celluloid film.
Sandgren also shared insights into the technical evolution of IMAX cameras. Traditional IMAX systems were often criticized for being heavy and noisy, making dialogue scenes difficult to shoot. However, newer developments have improved sound isolation, opening the possibility for entire films to be captured using IMAX technology in the future.
Despite these advancements, Sandgren emphasized that technology should never overpower storytelling. For him, selecting a camera format is ultimately about supporting the emotion, tone, and visual identity of the script rather than following trends or marketing opportunities.
The cinematographer remains a strong supporter of shooting on film and believes filmmakers should continue having access to both digital and traditional cinematic tools. While shooting on film can be more expensive, Sandgren believes the artistic benefits are often worth the effort when the project demands it.