Emma
Director:
Year: 2009
Rating: 8.0
I am so fond
of every Jane Austen novel transferred to the screen (with the exception
of the 1983 version of Mansfield Park) that I wish I had more success in
enjoying her on the written page. Not for lack of trying. I have picked up
Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility often, determined to work my
way through them in yeoman fashion but around page 100 I give in to fatigue.
But on the screen her stories just burst with energy, wit, romance and social
mores. And the beauty of the English countryside and the manor houses that
I envy so much.
No more so than this wonderful four part
four hour adaptation. I was only vaguely familiar with the story because
of the film Clueless, but found it charming to the 9th degree. Primarily
due to the performance of Romolo Garai as Emma who is exasperatingly adorable
as she tries to play Cupid to all around her but doesn't know her own heart.
She has this odd wide open smile that is impossible to resist. Ably assisting
her is Johnny Lee Miller as the reserved neighbor full of decency and the
always wonderful Michael Gambon as the worrywart father. The supporting cast
is fine as well. Austen is the Mistress of the happy ending - at least in
the adaptations I have seen. Throw in lots of doubt, complex social relationships,
a blackguard or two but love and honor always win out. This is a terrific
adaptation. Beautifully shot and dramatized with some comic moments and lovely
period décor. Of course, we all know who she is meant for from nearly
moment one, but it is a winding road getting there.
