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After watching this movie probably 8+ times and finding it to be the height of feminine storytelling, I was surprised to look at the reviews and ratings and find it at 3.5/5 stars. As someone who is - shall we call it what is? - rather obsessed with this movie, I thought I'd take up the proverbial cudgels in its defense.
Now, the primary complaint I have read seems to be that this version is not like the book or earlier movies. I have read the book and watched the miniseries and Gwyneth Paltrow versions, and I think if you're aiming for most overtly accurate characters (Gwyneth Paltrow version) or storyline (the miniseries), this movie is probably not for you. That being said, I was delighted for the new take simply because I already have those two other versions and the book at my disposal if I want those exact versions!
But, I am not here to disagree with other people's opinions. I'm simply going to "sum up" the multitudinous reasons I think this movie shines and deserves a shot to be appreciated as its own independent work of art.
1. The costuming. It's iconic. The detailing and knowledge of the time period and fashion is amazing. A few of the dresses, pelisses, and spencers are copied almost EXACTLY from fashion plates and remaining extent garments of the Regency era. Also, many of the dresses and chemises are reworn in addition to Emma's sandals having detachable coverings which shows a knowledge of how fashion was designed to be reworn and repurposed, even for the rich.
Also, I think this is one of the Jane Austen movies to actually show the characters wearing bonnets and gloves when they ought to have been - except Emma and Mr. Knightley's dance, which was obviously an artistic choice that was all the more striking for all the times that gloves were appropriately worn.
I will say though that Frank Churchill's waistcoat looked 1700s-ish to me, and that the mens' pants really weren't as tight as I believe they were supposed to. And, Mrs. Elton was like 15-25 years ahead in her fashion, but it made her look weird so totally worth it.
2. The soundtrack. I love the diversity within it, and the musical nods not only to the classical and operatic genres (as is usually used in such movies), but also to the simpler country tunes. It seemed to really encapsulate the social diversity with the neighborhood of Highbury.
Also, the original themes are soooo fun.
3. Speaking of the social diversity, this version of Emma addresses the social complexities of the time period depicted like no other.
The book Emma really does have a more socially diverse cast of characters than other Jane Austen movies, which typically just address disparities of station within the gentry, and I think Autumn de Wilde did a brilliant job addressing this and bringing it out so that the undertones are as obvious to viewers today as they would have been to readers in Austen's day.
Too, the means with which de Wilde does so, especially through music and fashion, are very graceful.
I don't think the other versions depict how socially far "beneath" Emma that the Martins are [they just kind of tell one]. Also, in the other versions, they say how Emma has "improved" Harriet, but one never really sees that. In this version, you can really see Harriet's awkwardness (at dinners and dancing) and how she improves [*cough* copies Emma *coughcough*] her manners and fashion.
4. I really also just love how this version seems to focus on the characters so much more than the plot, as someone who knows the plot inside and out. Emma and Knightley are so cute, I think, with a subtle, friendly chemistry at first and such a cute realization.
This is the first Emma movie, I think though, where I have hardcore fangirled over Mr. Martin and Harriet though. How Harriet runs over to him when they meet first in the movie - and how romantic they made the rain scene! They're adorable.
And Jane and Frank actually flirt with each other by subtle looks and smiles. Super adorable too. I also appreciated the Frank/Emma thing being a much smaller part than the other versions (especially the Gwyneth Paltrow one). There was a lot more Emma/Knightley, and not just as friends who zing each other.
I also appreciated full out wanting to slap Mrs. Elton, and Mr. Elton was hysterically funny.
5. This is kind of related to the characters, but I loved Mr. Knightley. Someone said he was too brooding/grumpy, but I didn't think so... Honestly, he was generally quite good-tempered; he only brooded really when it came to Frank.
And, if one reads the book, one is kind of confused for most of it, thinking: "ok, but why do you - oh paragon of rationality - hate Frank Churchill so much??" I liked that this version brought out Mr. Knightley's seriously petty dislike of Frank.
I do have a couple of things that I could do without that I'd like to acknowledge:
1. Brief nudity. No thanks.
2. Mean Isabella. Weird flex, but ok.
Also, I do understand people not liking that they switched the duet from Frank and Emma to Knightley and Jane, but I thought it was cute to turn the tables.
The proposal scene gets a lot of flack. I, personally, found it hilarious and dissembling of the trope where the confession/proposal is the most "romantic" part of the movie. Even as awkward and unexpected as it is, Knightley's concern over her (his awkward little hand movements) are sweet, and the whole scene seemed to shift one's view of their romance away from that one climax to the entirety of their relationship and time together.
Anyway, I highly recommend giving it a shot as it's own unique, complex movie, and not doing it a disservice by expecting it to be the same as things that already exist. Also, I highly recommend giving it at least a second watch - the details are endless!
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From the manufacturer
Emma (2020)
Jane Austen's beloved comedy about finding your equal and earning your happy ending, is reimagined in this delicious new film adaptation of Emma. Handsome, clever, and rich, Emma Woodhouse is a restless queen bee without rivals in her sleepy little town. In this glittering satire of social class and the pain of growing up, Emma must adventure through misguided matches and romantic missteps to find the love that has been there all along.
Reviews with images
Cover was received damaged
I know it sounds petty, but I like my covers. If you read and your book cover is ripped, some people get annoyed or they return the book. Older books with covers are worth more. Just like toys in the original box, worth more. Oh well! 4 stars.
Top reviews from other countries
Julie Bozza
A fresh, fun take on the classic novel
Reviewed in Australia on June 21, 2020