Emma.

Peter McGinn 6/23/2021 3:58:44 PM 8.4

When I saw the previews for this latest interpretation of Jane Austen’s Emma, I envisioned a reimagining of the classic, with the plot or the setting radically changed with creative license applied liberally throughout. I was ready to not like it. But instead I discovered that wondrous creativity was launched to make small tweaks to details. There was Harriet Smith, who may have been plain, but marching here and there with her classmates, dressed in matching red dresses and large hats, providing a very striking Image for the eye. There were the chorale music resonating at the end of scenes, leading to or melding into the beginning of the next scene. And Bill Nighy, who was suitably wary of illness and draughts, but had a spring in his step at times to juxtapose with his fearfully cautious nature. I thought Rupert Graves and Miranda Hart were imaginative choices for the roles of Mr. Weston and Miss Bates. And there is even an creative tweak to the one-word title, whereby a period is added after the name to indicate that the movie is - wait for it - a period piece. So this is the third version of Emma in the past 25 years - two movies and a mini-series - and for now at least, it is my favorite.

SWITCH. 6/23/2021 3:58:33 PM 8.4

If you doubt the need for another Austen, let this gorgeous film change your mind. Instead of ignoring the offers made to the period film genre by great films like 'Anna Karenina' and <a href=“/article/review-the-favourite-a-delicious-work-of-magnificent-insanity“>'The Favourite'</a>, 'Emma.' runs with them, finding a new language for approaching the great works of one of the great writers, realising her wit and humour in new and exciting ways while honouring the deep intelligence and generosity within them. I spent the entirety of Autumn de Wilde's wonderful film with the dumbest smile on my face, mixed with peals of laughter and gushing tears of joy. This is how we must approach the great classics - a celebration of what we love about them and an engagement with how they can speak to us here and now. That's how and why they can continue to matter so much. - Daniel Lammin Read Daniel's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-emma-a-dazzling-new-adaptation-of-jane-austens-classic

ekaari 6/18/2024 9:50:56 PM 8.4

An artful and inspired retelling of a classic. Delightfully Wes Anderson esc with a feminine pallete.