Okay I have so many thoughts about the new Emma movie, I have to get them out! I was very apprehensive about another adaptation of Emma, because I so love the BBC version with Romola Garai. But I have to say this one nails it. The costumes were phenomenal, so vibrant and detailed. The colors were so bright it really accented the whimsical feel of the theme I think they were trying to portray: that Emma is lighthearted and carefree and really, childlike until she matures a bit, but she still stays Emma-fun and bringing joy and light to those around her.
The sets were luxurious and everything from the food to the furniture really showed the decadence in which Emma and her friends live. The shots they did were so unique, it really captured a different look to things that made it more intimate and made you see things from a different, more pertinent perspective than you usually do.
The music was different than what you would normally expect for a period film, but most excellently done and helped accent and convey different points and emotions of the story. There were also these really crisp transitions that punctuated the storyline and again, kept that lighthearted feel and theme throughout.
This version pegs the comedy aspect of Emma better than any other one before. Mr. Elton was so over the top in the best way possible, showing how highly he thought of himself and the expectations he had for his life, and Mrs. Elton was his perfect counterpart in all the lavish expectations they had for themselves and those around them. Miss Bates almost stole the show with her performance. Her comedic timing and good natured attitude flowed seamlessly, making her one of the favorite characters, in my opinion. Harriet Smith’s portrayal is the best yet: she shows the innocence, the adoration she has for Emma and their friendship, but really grows, as does Emma, throughout the film and becomes a strong character, able to speak her mind and make decisions for herself. Also the friendship between Harriet and Emma is showcased more than in other versions and that’s what makes this version even stronger. I wasn’t sure about casting for Knightley at first when I saw the trailer but he. Was. Breathtaking. His and Emma’s relationship, their friendship, their differences, is shown in more detail and helps show the pull they have towards each other all through the film. I also love the shock they both feel at the attraction and love they’ve clearly had for each other for a while, but neither realizing it until later. Emma’s father played the comedic part of him being over dramatic about sickness and worry well but balanced it with the love you know he has for his daughters and friends and just made him a charming character. The other characters were also well acted and again, flowed together to make all the inhabitants, friends, and relations in Highbury ones you didn’t want to leave when the film was over and want to visit again and again. The last relationship I thought was an interesting, new take was Emma and Jane Fairfax. The film talks about this, but something I have never seen so detailed out in other versions, was really how Emma envies Jane, for how accomplished and mature she is. That was an interesting dynamic that played out, but also showed how in the end, Emma learns from Jane as Jane learns from Emma, and although not overtly stated, they do become acquaintances who see each other’s perspective and admire the other for it. And lastly, Emma’s portrayal captures the innocence she has, luxury and ease in life she’s been accustomed to, wide eyed naïveté she possesses, but keeps her true wish and heart at the forefront: how she only wants what is best for those around her and to see they have every happiness in life. Her maturity in the end does not snuff out this love and light and whimsy for life, but rather grows it in a way that keeps her the loving, likeable character she is. I loved the different take they did on some scenes, how they altered it a bit but it gave you a new, deeper perspective on the story that was just brilliant.
One last thing the dancing. Oh the dancing! It’s Pride & Prejudice but on a whole other level. It is the perfect picture of what dance was back then, sensual, but discreet, full of beauty, grace, and emotion.
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