For many years, this adaptation of Emma – from writer and director Douglas McGrath – easily won my heart as the favorite in a crowd of other interpretations of this witty Austen classic. I think the primary reason can be attributed to this being the first version of the classic love story I’d seen. The more recent BBC version was merely an idea at the time and I wasn’t aware of A&E’s retelling as of yet. Because of these factors, I’d already seen this several times before introduction to any other versions. Grouped in with the lineup of other period dramas Miramax released during the ’90s, this version is also flawed but still one of my favorites for reasons I shall attempt to put into words.
The classic story remains intact as the film begins with protagonist Emma Woodhouse (played by Gwyneth Paltrow) seeing her beloved governess Miss Taylor (Greta Scacchi) married. Naturally, this sparks an idea in Emma: What if making Miss Taylor’s match is only the beginning? She next sets her sights on Mr. Elton (Alan Cumming), their pastor, and her new friend, Harriet Smith (Toni Collette). Watching over this with a critical eye but a keen sense is Mr. Knightley, played by the wonderful Jeremy Northam.
Having now watched all three of the primary adaptations of Emma, my work has now come to an end. What I discovered and loved about the experience of revisiting these is each version has its merits, weaknesses and unique approach to storytelling. This version doesn’t have a lot to recommend itself if you look at the surface, especially to those of us spoiled by the beauty and authenticity British period dramas bring, however, look underneath that and there is plenty of good to be discovered. The script is brimming with some great lines and speeches. I also particularly liked the emphasis on Emma and Miss Taylor’s relationship; I like that it is Miss Taylor who Emma confides in (about Mr. Knightley) and I enjoyed the few scenes between the two of them. While I like Johdi May (BBC’s Emma) in the role best, this version gives us the sweetest relationship.
The rest of the cast has its ups and downs as well. Though Gwyneth might not be the universal favorite, I do enjoy her as the titular character. She somehow strikes a balance between being the proud aristocratic lady her upbringing might have fostered and keeping a more whimsical personality. But really, it’s Jeremy Northam that keeps me returning to this version. No one – and I mean no one has, in my opinion, encapsulated the “badly done, Emma” speech as he delivers it. The entire scene nearly makes the film. In fairness, this is partly thanks to his and Paltrow’s portrayal working together in the emotional scene. (Actually, he really sells the “men of sense” line too.) However, their pairing is not my favorite in terms of the romance. (I really enjoyed the innocence and hopefulness in the 2009 miniseries, which might be my favorite in terms of the romance.)
Beyond that, my complaints are minor and petty (like the styling of Gwyneth’s hair which I most often found very unattractive on her). This has a sweet romantic-comedy tone that might not endear it as the most authentic of Austen’s works, but I think she’d have appreciated the subtle shifts. In the two hours the script has, the primary story manages to be told with a kind of comical ease, and that’s a wonderful feat not to be sneezed at. The cinematography in the film is also worthy of note; this version creates some really pretty pictures.
If only for the reason that this holds the title of being the first Emma story I experienced on screen, this adaptation has a special place in my rankings and heart. This adaptation may have its flaws, same as its titular heroine, but I still love it all the same.
In closing, have a look at Jeremy Northam’s “Badly done, Emma” speech:
What do you think of this adaptation? I’d love to hear your thoughts, impressions or favorite adaptations/scenes/actors. Comment down below.
Photos: Miramax
Overall Rating
“Hello, Gorgeous.”
Romance Rating
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My
feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me
to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
You can rent Emma
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It’s been awhile, but I definitely love the light, romantic comedy feel of this movie. Yet another I must see again. 🙂
I do too, Dixie-Ann! This one is SO cute and I usually wind up giggling through a good portion of Emma’s matchmaking attempts. For me, it was fun to revisit all of these adaptations. Let me know what you think if you see it again. 🙂
Emma isn’t aristocracy — merely gentry. In general Austen heroines are the genteel poor, like herself, and she pokes fun at aristocrats while ignoring the truly lower class. It makes sense many reviewers complain Paltrow is too proud and stiff in her portrayal.
Paltrow was the first actress I saw in this role, and because of that I do like her in the role as well as the film in general. Kate Beckinsale actually seems the most proud in her portrayal, but as with everything, I enjoy each of the three versions I’ve seen for varying reasons.