Tag: emma

I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control. “Emma” (1996)

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directed by Douglas McGrath
© 1996 Miramax Films. All Rights Reserved.

Yesterday, I told you about this year’s film adaptation of the book “Emma” by Jane Austen. Even though it’s not the only adaptation, it would be quite hard to tell you about all of them. For sure there are also series based on the same story, so if you’re a fan of the book, you can find several different versions to watch and compare. Still, there’s this one adaptation that I’d like to tell you about because it’s somehow significant for the film industry. In 1996, Douglas McGrath directed “Emma” and the film even won an Oscar in 1997. “Emma” was nominated in two categories: Best Costume Design and Best Original Musical or Comedy Score. What’s surprising, they didn’t win for the costumes, but for the score. And it’s quite funny to me, because I hadn’t known about it before watching the film and while watching, the score was something I noticed. It’s indeed lovely and really makes you “sink into the story”. Oscar well-deserved! This time I’m not writing you about the plot, because it’s almost the same as in the newest adaptation, so if you’re curious, check out my recommendation of “Emma.” (2020). Even though I liked the new version’s form a bit more, I think this one is also worth checking out. Especially for the score and the actors. And especially, especially for Ewan McGregor in that ridiculous wig. Oh boy, I won’t forget this view for a long time…

My rating: 6/10
S.

Inno-cence. “Emma.” (2020)

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directed by Autumn de Wilde
© 2020 Focus Features. All Rights Reserved.

I was avoiding this production for some time because I generally need to be in the right mood to watch a costume drama. I have to say that except marvellous costumes and scenography, those films are often copy-paste. So when I found out about this new remake of Jane Austen’s book, I thought “ho, ho, ho, maybe another time”. And the time came. And I liked it very much. And I’m still surprised. Since it’s a popular novel, perhaps some of you already know the story of Emma Woodhouse. However, for those who haven’t read the book, I can tell you a few words about it. So, Emma (Anya Taylor-Joy) is a wealthy lady living in the 19th century. I guess you can imagine what was expected from women back then – they were supposed to behave in a certain way, look neat and the only thing they should be thinking of was getting married as soon as possible. Emma is slightly different. She’s an incredibly classy young lady, but she’s definitely not going to become somebody’s wife anytime soon. Instead, she’s very much interested in the love lives of her friends, so she focuses on their romances. Emma is “living” other people’s lives so much, she doesn’t even notice her own secret admirer… Before writing the novel, Jane Austen said “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like”. I’m afraid I also like her, dear Jane. And I guess a lot of other women can say the same. Yes, Emma is selfish and she can seem annoying at first, but, for me, she’s like a 21st century woman who was born two centuries too early. But getting back to the film, I really liked it not only because of the main character, but also because of the form. It’s actually a very modern costume drama with too many jokes to consider it a serious production. And something that always makes my day – marvellous camerawork. So, surprisingly, I had fun watching a film adaptation of a Jane Austen’s book. Who would have thought?

My rating: 7/10
S.