I love this version too! although I watched the other versions, I keep coming back to this one. I think far too many adaptations take Austen far too seriously. Her works are romantic and wittingly funny and I think (although condensed) this film took the right approach. I loved how oftentimes a speech was carried from one scene and into another purposefully to keep the pace and continuity going. The whole cast was well selected. I loved the cupid theme and the arrow practice scene! Just the way he says "Emma" when he realized she wrote Harriet's proposal reply letter! Thanks for the video.
I really like this version of Emma too, and think it does really well with getting the major points across with only a 2-hour run time. The fact is that it will always be hard for the movie versions of these adaptations to compete with the mini-series versions that can include and go deeper with more plot points from the book. And I have to agree that this is my favorite Knightly for all the same reasons. Handsome, gentle, steady, and just a good person.
I also love this version of Emma, it’s a film that feels comforting like a warm blanket, I do wonder though if I’m biased towards it because it was the first version of Emma I saw although I should trust myself, my opinion and the enjoyment the film has brought me during the times I’ve watched it, I guess Emma said it best with “ you must be the best judge of your own happiness “ there is a notion that it’s too Hollywood perhaps because of Paltrow but I feel it’s unfair, she was very good in it, it seems there’s a tier system, book first, then BBC mini series adaptation followed by British film and then the lowest on the ladder the Hollywood version lol, I usually agree with the first two but this version of Emma is very good, it emits a glow on the viewer like the warm hue we often see on the film’s characters. Thank you for another wonderful review. ~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~
I loved this movie when it came out. Saw it three times when it came out. It is pretty faithful to the book for a two hour movie. This is from a time before Paltrow skunked herself, before her Oscar, when she looked like a promising newcomer. I loved Jeremy Northern. Toni Collette is not how I imagined Harriet, but she does a marvelous job.
Yup- def agree w/ u re: Jeremy Northam; his Knightley is more of a playful/warm guy (a BIT different from the book)! The chemistry btwn him & Paltrow pops off the screen IMO! Toni Colette can pretty much do any role; I need to see more of her stuff. Alan Cumming is funny yet also somewhat swarmy- he’s V fun to see. Paltrow is a fine actress; I don’t take into account how she turned out lately though (LOL)! Poor Ewan- he didn’t deserve that terrible wig; he’s good as always. Juliet Stevenson is hilarious- prolly the best Mrs. Elton.
It's also my favorite film version. People like to complain about it but i find to be the one where the humor works really well and the chemistry was great. And i also fell in love with Jeremy Northam's knightley.
Hurrah and bully. By all means, stand up without apology for what you enjoy. Yes, Paltrow may be a bit of a goof in person, but I've always appreciated her as an actress, and she has done a lot of good work. (Sadly, I still know Northam best as a villain in The Net.) I don't follow much Austen, but you have convinced me to look this up. Many thanks, Rome, and owl be seeing you.
The mid 90's appeared to signify a bit of a Jane Austen boom.Sense and Sensibility,Pride and Prejudice(If I say Mr Darcy to my mother,she will only ever see Colin Firth),Emma,Persuasion and Clueless.Oddly Clueless was the first version of Emma that I saw.I had to be told by the esteemed critics that this movie was based on Emma as I never would have figured it out as I didn't really know about Jane Austen.If I ever enter a room of Austen fans I will be eaten alive and or ritually sacrificed for my ignorance.Phyllida Law,Sophie Thompson in this and Emma Thompson in Sense and Sensibility.That family rode the Austen wave and who wouldn't ?This is a very entertaining movie that I saw many years ago.The memory fades.Which helped when I saw the 2020 version.You think Gwyneth Paltrow is ridiculous in real life.Whatever gave you that impression? I think Paltrow is a very good actor but I have never found her to be particularly likable on film.Which kind of suits her for this role. Toni Collette on the other hand.Rules.Imagine if they started an Emma matchmaker dating agency.You would have great confidence in them.Not really.If any formidable Austenites give you any gruff for liking the 96 version.Throw me to those wolves! I don't mind.Thank you.
It is my favorite version, too. You mentioned some of my favorite lines. I always laugh at, "Try not to kill my dogs." Mr.Knightley use of humor when he is actually furious with Emma about Robert Martin is a real insight into his personality. It is only when Emma insults Miss Bates that he really loses control. No humor here. However, I like your observation that he is as sad as she is.I think he is especially sad because he thinks she has fallen under the spell of Frank Churchill, and he will not be able to guide her as he has tried in the past. I have also mentioned to people who prefer the BBC 2006 version the same thing you mentioned. They were limited by trying to fit as much as they could into just two hours. I love the humor in this version especially. U amnot a Gwyneth Paltrow fan, but I think she captures the Emma of the book wonderfully. And Jeremy Northam is, well, perfect. And he should be because he is Jane Austen's best male hero-without contest with apologies to Captain Wentworth and Mr. Darcy.
It's the best adaptation of Emma. The pace and tone are just right but the casting is what really shines. It has the best Knightley, Miss Bates, Mr Elton and Mrs E. I really like Paltrow in the role. Her accent is fine and I think only Alicia Silverstone from Clueless (which is an excellent adaptation - please review it) comes close to capturing the balance of the character between meddling, condescending snobbery and a genuinely warm heart. Why cast an American? Cynically, I think her showbiz connections (her parents, Spielberg is her godfather) probably helped and Paltrow's long connection with Miramax (thus Harvey Weinstein) began with this movie - read into that what you will. A number of the casting decisions seem particularly inspired and well-timed. Yes, Ewan McGregor's ginger wig is the kind of monstrosity worn by leprechaun-impersonating Americans on Paddy's Day, but his career had only just launched with Trainspotting. Similarly, Alan Cumming had recently come off Goldeneye and Toni Collette's career had just been launched by Muriel's Wedding (terrific Oz movie - see it). As an ensemble the cast outshines all other Austen adaptations bar perhaps only P&P95, particularly as the chemistry between Paltrow and Northam is so good. Jeremy Northam is a fine actor, but I've never seen him inhabit a role quite as well as he does here. I'm surprised that Douglas McGrath's directing career never really took off - Emma is a terrific adaptation. Regarding the relative absence of John & Isabella Knightley, they do appear in spirit, in one of my favourite scenes, between Emma and Mrs Weston. Paltrow's delivery of the lines "I love John!", followed by "I hate John!" always make me laugh. Not only but also: they kept the gypsy scene!
Great review. 'Emma' is one of the few examples of classical literature that I have read. It's strange because I really enjoy them when I read them, so I should read more. I used to have a crush on Gwyneth Paltrow which is why I went straight down to 'Blockbusters' when this came out. She is probably the reason I read the novel (I saw this film first). I'm not much of a fan of hers anymore...alas, I'm far too working class for her. One thing, though...you said you didn't know why a British actor wasn't cast for the part...It was an American movie and the rest of the cast were British and I think Paltrow was great in the role. Having said that, I have seen articles criticizing the casting of British and Australian actors in prominent roles in American movies.
I'm surprised you've actually found articles criticizing all the Brits and Aussies portraying Americans. It's such a normal part of Hollywood, but it hardly ever happens the other way around.
I really like this version of Emma though not fan of Gwyneth Paltrow. She is perfect in Emma and really enjoyed her performance and all the cast were good.
One of my family's favorites, that I first saw on DVD at age 12 or so. I remember being very smitten with Gwyneth/Emma, though I've definitely encountered folks who don't like her performance or accent. That criticism didn't register with me then, or now. Very interesting, thorough review Jerome!
I have always really liked this adaptation too, I wonder why some "Janeites" (which I most definitely am) don't like it? It's definitely my favorite of the more contemporary versions--probably because is has the best Mr. Knightley. In my opinion, it's one of the film adaptations that actually *improves* upon the book as far as the heroine's love interest is concerned. (The other being Emma Thompson's brilliance in casting Hugh Grant as the rather dull Edward in S&S). My favorite Emma adaptation, though, is the 1972 miniseries. It's stagey and very obviously dated (and has an awful Mr. Knightley), but it's the only adaptation that got Emma's father exactly right, and he's the funniest and most endearing character in the novel. It also has a perfect Harriet and Mrs. Elton. I actually hear and picture those actors now when I reread the book--and I read the novel first!
Your videos are so great! You could review the phone book and I would love it! I've never really investigated literature but you persuade me to get into it.
Your review of Emma was very engaging. I will soon be reading my first Jane Austen book ever, Pride and Prejudice. Maybe I'll check out Emma after that. Will you have any Jane Eyre related videos coming out soon?
That's awesome! I hope you have a great time reading it. And by all means, if you like that, you should read another one. Emma would be a good choice, or perhaps Persuasion. Feel free to let me know what you think! As a matter of fact, ha, yes, I do have a Jane Eyre video coming up! Hopefully I'll be posting it sometime this week. :)
In our family he’s known as Jeremy Cutie Pie Northam. (Let’s get our terminology straight here!) Gwyneth is okay and she played British in the films Possession (edit: with Northam again, sigh) and Sliding Doors too. I think it’s the most “balanced” of the Emma films because it’s not mannered like the 2020 one nor does it drag like the Romola G…(sp?) version.
This is the ONLY Gwyneth Paltrow film I can stomach to watch (and yes, I include Shakespeare in Love in the 'can't-watch' category). Honestly, I prefer the Romola Garai BBC version, but I think the 1996 film has a good cast (Greta Scacci, Sophie Thompson and Toni Collette are all favs) and Emma as a film works better than Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Prejudice, which have more complex threads and work better as mini-series. I always enjoy your literary adaptation reviews! RIP director Douglas McGrath... I especially like his film "Infamous"... the much better film about Truman Capote than the other film, which was much more successful. Toby Jones is perfect as Capote.
The first time I watched this adaptation of Emma, I didn't like it because l foundthe character of Emma with Gwineth Paltrow, detestable, too simpering. And I watched this film again yesterday and l appreciated the sets and exterior scenes, and realny liked the caracter of Mr Knigthley, and l make the same remarks as you about the scenes with Mr Knigthley. I think an Enghish actress in the role of Emma, would have been better. I'm going to watch the other adaptations of Emma.
I'm totally unfamiliar with both book as well as this film. It certainly looks beautiful in its photography and settings. Thanks for the review. Did I ask if you've ever seen DRAGONWYK?---I'm losing track of what I've asked about previously. Sorry. As a Vincent Price film with Gothic romance themes, seems like it might be something you might appreciate seeing...Also a chance to see "the amazing colossal man" ---actor Glen Langon----back before he became such a , er, BIG star! (Phew, pretty bad! Sorry sorry sorry) He's actually quite good/surprised he never really went very far.
I'm not sure if you've asked or not, but yes, I have. :) I think Vincent Price and Gene Tierney onscreen together is a great combination in any film, and it's no exception. Very moody, Gothic film.
@@Weiselberry Interesting to me also in regards to seeing (for part of the story) Price as a suave romantic lead (Gene Tierney is a big given in that department...well, I don't know about the "suave" part/just an utterly beguiling presence in virtually everything she ever did). Have you reviewd the film? If so, maybe i missed it, or have forgotten my reaction. Ugh, hate when that happens.
@@RSEFX No, I've mentioned it a few times (I know it came up in the Vincent Price filmography chat and the review of the Jane Eyre radio program he did), but I haven't actually reviewed it.
I think this one is okay but I'm usually never rabid in my defense of any Emma adaptation. Though Polly Walker is miscast as Jane Fairfax, as seeing Ms. Walker as anything but vampy is odd, as that's how the actress is usually cast. Now, Persuasion, 1995 is the ONLY version.
I disagree with you - and therefore you are a bad person! I jest... I like this, but I prefer the BBC Kate Beckinsale version. However, as you said (sort of) providing they don't stray too far from the source and have a good cast they are never 'bad'. We're spoiled for choice I guess...
I love this version too! although I watched the other versions, I keep coming back to this one. I think far too many adaptations take Austen far too seriously. Her works are romantic and wittingly funny and I think (although condensed) this film took the right approach. I loved how oftentimes a speech was carried from one scene and into another purposefully to keep the pace and continuity going. The whole cast was well selected. I loved the cupid theme and the arrow practice scene! Just the way he says "Emma" when he realized she wrote Harriet's proposal reply letter! Thanks for the video.
I really like this version of Emma too, and think it does really well with getting the major points across with only a 2-hour run time. The fact is that it will always be hard for the movie versions of these adaptations to compete with the mini-series versions that can include and go deeper with more plot points from the book. And I have to agree that this is my favorite Knightly for all the same reasons. Handsome, gentle, steady, and just a good person.
I also love this version of Emma, it’s a film that feels comforting like a warm blanket, I do wonder though if I’m biased towards it because it was the first version of Emma I saw although I should trust myself, my opinion and the enjoyment the film has brought me during the times I’ve watched it, I guess Emma said it best with “ you must be the best judge of your own happiness “ there is a notion that it’s too Hollywood perhaps because of Paltrow but I feel it’s unfair, she was very good in it, it seems there’s a tier system, book first, then BBC mini series adaptation followed by British film and then the lowest on the ladder the Hollywood version lol, I usually agree with the first two but this version of Emma is very good, it emits a glow on the viewer like the warm hue we often see on the film’s characters. Thank you for another wonderful review.
~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~
I loved this movie when it came out. Saw it three times when it came out. It is pretty faithful to the book for a two hour movie. This is from a time before Paltrow skunked herself, before her Oscar, when she looked like a promising newcomer. I loved Jeremy Northern. Toni Collette is not how I imagined Harriet, but she does a marvelous job.
Yup- def agree w/ u re: Jeremy Northam; his Knightley is more of a playful/warm guy (a BIT different from the book)! The chemistry btwn him & Paltrow pops off the screen IMO! Toni Colette can pretty much do any role; I need to see more of her stuff. Alan Cumming is funny yet also somewhat swarmy- he’s V fun to see. Paltrow is a fine actress; I don’t take into account how she turned out lately though (LOL)! Poor Ewan- he didn’t deserve that terrible wig; he’s good as always. Juliet Stevenson is hilarious- prolly the best Mrs. Elton.
The 90s was a great time to be an Austen fan. I agree with you on every single point.
Another great one. Could watch this lady talk cinema all day. Cheers
Aw, thanks!
It's also my favorite film version. People like to complain about it but i find to be the one where the humor works really well and the chemistry was great. And i also fell in love with Jeremy Northam's knightley.
Hurrah and bully. By all means, stand up without apology for what you enjoy. Yes, Paltrow may be a bit of a goof in person, but I've always appreciated her as an actress, and she has done a lot of good work. (Sadly, I still know Northam best as a villain in The Net.) I don't follow much Austen, but you have convinced me to look this up. Many thanks, Rome, and owl be seeing you.
You are too kind to Ms Paltrow, yet the film is most enjoyable. Thanks, for the usual excellent work.
I haven't watched this one in ages. I remember liking it. I want to read the book and go back and watch again. Nice review as always!
The mid 90's appeared to signify a bit of a Jane Austen boom.Sense and Sensibility,Pride and Prejudice(If I say Mr Darcy to
my mother,she will only ever see Colin Firth),Emma,Persuasion and Clueless.Oddly Clueless was the first version of Emma
that I saw.I had to be told by the esteemed critics that this movie was based on Emma as I never would have figured it out
as I didn't really know about Jane Austen.If I ever enter a room of Austen fans I will be eaten alive and or ritually sacrificed
for my ignorance.Phyllida Law,Sophie Thompson in this and Emma Thompson in Sense and Sensibility.That family rode the
Austen wave and who wouldn't ?This is a very entertaining movie that I saw many years ago.The memory fades.Which helped
when I saw the 2020 version.You think Gwyneth Paltrow is ridiculous in real life.Whatever gave you that impression?
I think Paltrow is a very good actor but I have never found her to be particularly likable on film.Which kind of suits her for this role.
Toni Collette on the other hand.Rules.Imagine if they started an Emma matchmaker dating agency.You would have great
confidence in them.Not really.If any formidable Austenites give you any gruff for liking the 96 version.Throw me to those wolves!
I don't mind.Thank you.
It is my favorite version, too. You mentioned some of my favorite lines. I always laugh at, "Try not to kill my dogs." Mr.Knightley use of humor when he is actually furious with Emma about Robert Martin is a real insight into his personality. It is only when Emma insults Miss Bates that he really loses control. No humor here. However, I like your observation that he is as sad as she is.I think he is especially sad because he thinks she has fallen under the spell of Frank Churchill, and he will not be able to guide her as he has tried in the past. I have also mentioned to people who prefer the BBC 2006 version the same thing you mentioned. They were limited by trying to fit as much as they could into just two hours. I love the humor in this version especially. U amnot a Gwyneth Paltrow fan, but I think she captures the Emma of the book wonderfully. And Jeremy Northam is, well, perfect. And he should be because he is Jane Austen's best male hero-without contest with apologies to Captain Wentworth and Mr. Darcy.
Very cool, thanks for reviewing it! 🙆♀️
It's the best adaptation of Emma. The pace and tone are just right but the casting is what really shines. It has the best Knightley, Miss Bates, Mr Elton and Mrs E. I really like Paltrow in the role. Her accent is fine and I think only Alicia Silverstone from Clueless (which is an excellent adaptation - please review it) comes close to capturing the balance of the character between meddling, condescending snobbery and a genuinely warm heart. Why cast an American? Cynically, I think her showbiz connections (her parents, Spielberg is her godfather) probably helped and Paltrow's long connection with Miramax (thus Harvey Weinstein) began with this movie - read into that what you will.
A number of the casting decisions seem particularly inspired and well-timed. Yes, Ewan McGregor's ginger wig is the kind of monstrosity worn by leprechaun-impersonating Americans on Paddy's Day, but his career had only just launched with Trainspotting. Similarly, Alan Cumming had recently come off Goldeneye and Toni Collette's career had just been launched by Muriel's Wedding (terrific Oz movie - see it). As an ensemble the cast outshines all other Austen adaptations bar perhaps only P&P95, particularly as the chemistry between Paltrow and Northam is so good. Jeremy Northam is a fine actor, but I've never seen him inhabit a role quite as well as he does here. I'm surprised that Douglas McGrath's directing career never really took off - Emma is a terrific adaptation.
Regarding the relative absence of John & Isabella Knightley, they do appear in spirit, in one of my favourite scenes, between Emma and Mrs Weston. Paltrow's delivery of the lines "I love John!", followed by "I hate John!" always make me laugh.
Not only but also: they kept the gypsy scene!
Great review. 'Emma' is one of the few examples of classical literature that I have read. It's strange because I really enjoy them when I read them, so I should read more. I used to have a crush on Gwyneth Paltrow which is why I went straight down to 'Blockbusters' when this came out. She is probably the reason I read the novel (I saw this film first). I'm not much of a fan of hers anymore...alas, I'm far too working class for her. One thing, though...you said you didn't know why a British actor wasn't cast for the part...It was an American movie and the rest of the cast were British and I think Paltrow was great in the role. Having said that, I have seen articles criticizing the casting of British and Australian actors in prominent roles in American movies.
I'm surprised you've actually found articles criticizing all the Brits and Aussies portraying Americans. It's such a normal part of Hollywood, but it hardly ever happens the other way around.
In my opinion, my favourite adaptation is the 2009 one with Romola Garai.
I really like this version of Emma though not fan of Gwyneth Paltrow. She is perfect in Emma and really enjoyed her performance and all the cast were good.
One of my family's favorites, that I first saw on DVD at age 12 or so. I remember being very smitten with Gwyneth/Emma, though I've definitely encountered folks who don't like her performance or accent. That criticism didn't register with me then, or now. Very interesting, thorough review Jerome!
I have always really liked this adaptation too, I wonder why some "Janeites" (which I most definitely am) don't like it? It's definitely my favorite of the more contemporary versions--probably because is has the best Mr. Knightley. In my opinion, it's one of the film adaptations that actually *improves* upon the book as far as the heroine's love interest is concerned. (The other being Emma Thompson's brilliance in casting Hugh Grant as the rather dull Edward in S&S). My favorite Emma adaptation, though, is the 1972 miniseries. It's stagey and very obviously dated (and has an awful Mr. Knightley), but it's the only adaptation that got Emma's father exactly right, and he's the funniest and most endearing character in the novel. It also has a perfect Harriet and Mrs. Elton. I actually hear and picture those actors now when I reread the book--and I read the novel first!
You do such wonderful reviews.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy them!
Your videos are so great! You could review the phone book and I would love it! I've never really investigated literature but you persuade me to get into it.
Another great review as always...thank you!
Thank *you*!
Your review of Emma was very engaging. I will soon be reading my first Jane Austen book ever, Pride and Prejudice. Maybe I'll check out Emma after that. Will you have any Jane Eyre related videos coming out soon?
That's awesome! I hope you have a great time reading it. And by all means, if you like that, you should read another one. Emma would be a good choice, or perhaps Persuasion. Feel free to let me know what you think!
As a matter of fact, ha, yes, I do have a Jane Eyre video coming up! Hopefully I'll be posting it sometime this week. :)
Definitely a favorite adaptation of mine and I love the cast--especially Jeremy Northam. I watch The Winslow Boy just for him. LOL
In our family he’s known as Jeremy Cutie Pie Northam. (Let’s get our terminology straight here!) Gwyneth is okay and she played British in the films Possession (edit: with Northam again, sigh) and Sliding Doors too. I think it’s the most “balanced” of the Emma films because it’s not mannered like the 2020 one nor does it drag like the Romola G…(sp?) version.
This is the ONLY Gwyneth Paltrow film I can stomach to watch (and yes, I include Shakespeare in Love in the 'can't-watch' category). Honestly, I prefer the Romola Garai BBC version, but I think the 1996 film has a good cast (Greta Scacci, Sophie Thompson and Toni Collette are all favs) and Emma as a film works better than Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Prejudice, which have more complex threads and work better as mini-series. I always enjoy your literary adaptation reviews! RIP director Douglas McGrath... I especially like his film "Infamous"... the much better film about Truman Capote than the other film, which was much more successful. Toby Jones is perfect as Capote.
If you really want to wind up Jane Austen fans. Tell them your favourite film adaptation of Emma is Clueless.
The first time I watched this adaptation of Emma, I didn't like it because l foundthe character of Emma with Gwineth Paltrow, detestable, too simpering. And I watched this film again yesterday and l appreciated the sets and exterior scenes, and realny liked the caracter of Mr Knigthley, and l make the same remarks as you about the scenes with Mr Knigthley. I think an Enghish actress in the role of Emma, would have been better. I'm going to watch the other adaptations of Emma.
Have you seen the 1972 British version, a tv series? Interesting to compare.....
I've seen part of it. It was... interesting. :) I intend to see it in full sometime.
I'm totally unfamiliar with both book as well as this film. It certainly looks beautiful in its photography and settings. Thanks for the review.
Did I ask if you've ever seen DRAGONWYK?---I'm losing track of what I've asked about previously. Sorry. As a Vincent Price film with Gothic romance themes, seems like it might be something you might appreciate seeing...Also a chance to see "the amazing colossal man" ---actor Glen Langon----back before he became such a , er, BIG star! (Phew, pretty bad! Sorry sorry sorry) He's actually quite good/surprised he never really went very far.
I'm not sure if you've asked or not, but yes, I have. :) I think Vincent Price and Gene Tierney onscreen together is a great combination in any film, and it's no exception. Very moody, Gothic film.
@@Weiselberry Interesting to me also in regards to seeing (for part of the story) Price as a suave romantic lead (Gene Tierney is a big given in that department...well, I don't know about the "suave" part/just an utterly beguiling presence in virtually everything she ever did).
Have you reviewd the film? If so, maybe i missed it, or have forgotten my reaction. Ugh, hate when that happens.
@@RSEFX No, I've mentioned it a few times (I know it came up in the Vincent Price filmography chat and the review of the Jane Eyre radio program he did), but I haven't actually reviewed it.
I believe Rachel Portman's score won an Oscar. Like your sister, I have a CD of the score.
I think this one is okay but I'm usually never rabid in my defense of any Emma adaptation. Though Polly Walker is miscast as Jane Fairfax, as seeing Ms. Walker as anything but vampy is odd, as that's how the actress is usually cast. Now, Persuasion, 1995 is the ONLY version.
Of course my favorite version of Emma is Clueless with Alicia Silverstone😉
Anyway, only Romola Garai is Emma
Hello Jerome! I just saw the new Jurassic Park Movie, it was pretty good actually. I hope one day you’ll review it! Take care and God bless
I'm your fan jerome 🤗
I disagree with you - and therefore you are a bad person! I jest... I like this, but I prefer the BBC Kate Beckinsale version. However, as you said (sort of) providing they don't stray too far from the source and have a good cast they are never 'bad'. We're spoiled for choice I guess...
I fell in love with you in moment i seen You