Whenever I see there’s a new film based on a Jane Austen novel, I wonder what the point is. Blockbusters and franchises seem to get a lot of grief for making sequels, prequels and remakes. But the cult of Austen gets excited despite the fact that many of the 18th-century author’s novels have been made into movies over and over and over and over. Granted, many have been made for cable as opposed to theatrical releases, but even then there’s no shortage of representation. The BBC is back at it with an expanded made-for-TV take on Emma. Although overly long, this mini-series offers an intelligent, albeit light-hearted look at love and longing.
Emma Woodhouse (played by Romola Garai, who looks like Katee Sackhoff’s sister) lives in a very social world. She exists in the upper-crust of society and has every opportunity to perfect her place in social standing. Emma is also known as something of a matchmaker, bringing together would-be lovers to find their true destiny. She’s kind of like that girl in Grade 7 who would happily dash across the schoolyard to ask a girl out on another boy’s behalf. Emma needs to know everything about everyone. This allows her to not only be in the know, but it gives her a subconscious database to assist her as she plays Dr. Hook-up. Emma has one major flaw, though – she’s so busy with others that she ignores her own love life.
Emma is a delightful story that breaks down the normally stuff world of the high class period dramas. The character of Emma is both breezy and complex. However, I knew this before I even watched this latest version, which also aired on PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre. It wasn’t long ago that Gwyneth Paltrow was playing the titular to much acclaim. She starred in a perfectly acceptable version of the film that could be seen comfortably in a single sitting. So why the need for a four-hour mini-series? You get more Emma and friends, of course.
Watched in parts, Emma is a fun watch. However when I started watching a couple, the introductions and pacing slowed right down. While I haven’t read the book, I did check in with my wife and she confirmed that this version offers a lot more back-story and interpretation of the original material. Personally, I think that the length could have been trimmed by an hour or two and very little in the way of plot and themes would have been lost.
Often period films have a slick glossy look and feel that embellishes the lavish costumes and intricate sets. Although Emma does have similar qualities, it has a tone that’s downplayed. It’s almost murky. While the costumes are gorgeous, they also have a simpler feel to it. In doing so I found it easier to connect with the characters as they didn’t seem ridiculously rich and crusty. Rather, they were part of the upper middle class that is commonly strived for. This lends a sense of connection to the film.
Overall, this latest, but I seriously doubt last, interpretation of Austen’s Emma is an ambitious effort that works for what it is. However my biggest wish is that it condensed itself somewhat. This would have thrown the mini-series format out the window, but from a filmic perspective, the final product would have felt a lot tighter.
Emma DVD Review
Emma is presented in a two-disc set that showcases the film and adds a little extra to boot. The mini-series is shown in an enhanced widescreen format with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround English audio and optional English subtitles. Extras include featurettes on the film’s locations, costumes, the music and an interview with Michael Gambon.
Emma Gallery
