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Emma 2009
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I adore Jonny Lee Miller! Will try to make the time to watch it this weekend—have only seen it once.
Abigail wrote: "I adore Jonny Lee Miller! Will try to make the time to watch it this weekend—have only seen it once."That's one of the questions I have to answer for myself: who's the best Mr. Knightly? Right now, I'm partial to the Mr. Knightly from the 1996, but I can always change my mind - not too proud or prejudice! ;)
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Oh I am so excited for you to watch it! I watched it recently so it's fresh in my mind!
I love JLM but Northam will always be "my" Mr. Knightley.
Planning to start watching the movie TONIGHT! (Friday) Too busy finishing work to start counting the hours, but I'm very excited...
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Watched the first two episodes and enjoying it very much. I'm not ready to write a final "review" because I absolutely have to see how the "badly done, Emma" scolding scene goes.I will say I love the costumes; they appear quite authentic. The houses and gardens are beautiful settings. And though I don't like Frank Churchill's character and actions, he appears very charming in this movie and I can see why Emma likes him.
On the parts 3 and 4 tonight and final thoughts tomorrow or Monday. (I'm curious to see how annoying Mrs. Elton is in this version...)
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I'm holding judgment for now, but I will say I like Emma very much...Mr. Knightly...still undecided. Waiting for the decisive "scolding" scene and the ending.
Just saw the first episode. Mr. Elton is deliciously smarmy!
Mod
Oh black Ritson is the perfect Mr Elton!
Mr. Churchill in the 2009 version is very likeable, whilst I find Mr. Elton comical (like Mr. Collins in 2005 P&P).
Yes, annoying Mr. E. He's proud in the 2009 (not Darcy proud, though). Mr. E. is vain and this movie shows that well.
I'm so envious! I wish could watch this movie with all of you!
Sarah wrote: "Yes, annoying Mr. E. He's proud in the 2009 (not Darcy proud, though). Mr. E. is vain and this movie shows that well."I agree.
Okay, OFFICIAL movie review and discussion... (I may add some other thoughts later on, but here's my review)#1. I'm voting 4 stars for this film! It's excellent and follows the book almost exactly.
#2. Romola G. is a lovely Emma. I liked how she shows that Emma isn't really selfish (a little spoiled, yes), but how she really does care about the people around her.
#3. Mr. Miller is tolerable as Mr. Knightly. He does a fine job as an actor, but, personally, I felt that the portrayal wasn't "quite" right. Sometimes, he was a little too harsh and not quite as brotherly as Mr. Knightly is in the book.
#4. Music is beautiful.
#5. Costumes are wonderful. (Probably more discussion here later in the week.)
#6. Mr. and Mrs. E. = VERY annoying (that's good, and the actor and actress did a fabulous job)
#7. Miss Bates = nicely done! Could have done a little more talking, but just fine without it, too.
#8. Mr. Frank Churchill - the best portrayal I've seen. (Sure, we hate his character, but it was played perfectly)
#9. Mr. and Mrs. Weston - very good. Exactly the practical friendly people you want them to be.
#10. John Knightly Family - nice to actually see them in a film adaption. John was excellent and Isabella's evening dresses were beautiful.
#11. Jane Fairfax - she's a sweet character and I always feel bad for her. Frank didn't deserve her!
#12. Mr. Woodhouse - perfect combination of caring and concern.
Your thoughts?
I definitely agree with #8 & #11. Not that I disagree with the others but these two stood out for me. I am so glad, you finally got to watch the 2009 version Sarah. I think Romola may be the best Emma portrayal I have seen.
Oops, I forgot to mention Miss Harriet Smith in the characters list! (Sorry...)I thought her character was done very nicely in the movie. She was trusting and sweet, and, though lacking society experience, she wasn't dumb. I really liked her in this movie.
I absolutely liked this Harriet very much as well. Harriet is such so sweet tempered although too naive.What about Robert Martin in this version? I admire him very much, although he has a smaller part in the plot as oppose to the other characters.
Mod
Romala is my favourite emma. I think she is easily the best. she is likeable and spoilt but not selfish as she does care for harriet.
I like his portrayal. I think Northam is my favourite but I did like him. I did not like Mark Strong. I think Miller did the part well for the length of the series.
I agree. music is stunning!
As are the costumes! I love the costumes! Favourite dresses? I love Emma's wardrobe, particularly her ball gown!
Speaking of which, what did you make of the ball scene?
and the scene you were waiting for with Box Hill and the scolding?
Mr and Mrs E are just brilliant aren't they! Blake Ritson was so good! and a favourite line of mine 'that man is so full of himself I am surprised he can stay on that horse' haha
I liked Miss Bates as well :)
Best Frank - I agree!
Mr and Mrs Weston are so loveable!
I love the John Knightleys being included more. I love John and seeing his relationship with Emma.
Jane was well portrayed in this I think as well
And Mr Woodhouse was adorable. sweet but not annoying. I also loved his relationship with Emma, it was lovely to see!
And I loved Harriet as well. she was very innocent and sweet and just worshipped Emma!
As you can see I really like this version!
So, lets hear more of your thoughts! favourite scenes?
Marren wrote: "I absolutely liked this Harriet very much as well. Harriet is such so sweet tempered although too naive.What about Robert Martin in this version? I admire him very much, although he has a smaller..."
Yes, Robert Martin was good. We get to see that he's a practical, working man. But he is kind-hearted. The scene where he and Mr. Knightly talk about farm business and Harriet revealed a lot about his character in a short time frame. I liked when he was looking at Donwell and almost didn't go in - I think I'd have felt the same way.
You hit the nail, right on its hard with these points Sarah :D. I share your sentiments.
Soph wrote: "So pleased you liked it! It does follow the book very closely, which I always love in an adaptation!Romala is my favourite emma. I think she is easily the best. she is likeable and spoilt but not..."
I liked the ball scene. Mr. Knightly and Emma's dance was beautiful (though I think it is the simplest English Country Dance I've ever seen).
The Box Hill flirtation was terrible, but perfect; terrible for the characters to act that way, but the acting was superb.
The "badly done Emma" scolding was perfectly correct in the scripted words, but I thought Mr. Knightly's delivery a little harsh. Yes, he's upset, scolding, and jealous, but I think he also needs to be sad that Emma made such a mistake. Miller did not have that sorrow, at least in my opinion. (I'm trying not to compare, but Northam did it perfect...though I liked Emma's reaction better in the 2009).
Let me think about favorite costumes a little longer. And, if it's alright, I'm going to add some categories for "favorites scenes" - how about
1. Most Comical
2. Best Character Interactions
3. Most Annoying
4. "Happy sigh moment"
5. Ultimate Favorite
I'll add my votes after a little more thought. Will be anxious to see what everyone else thinks too...
Mod
I agree about that scene with Knightley and Robert martin by the way!
I think the box hill scene was spot on. spot on! They were awful and felt so bad for jane, which is how it should be!
I think Emma reacted better as well. And when she goes home and her father asks if she will be going out again soon, and she is like 'I don't think so' aww
ohhh good ones! I need to think too! :)
i thought the 2009 emma nailed it ! both in appearance and personality ! she litteraly comunicated that fresh , energitic bloom of emma to me .. that cheerfulness totally captured as it was in the book simply made my day , and i finjshed my movie in a happy mood ... lee miller was , strange to say , my second thought of who must be mr Knightely while i was reading the book ! so i was quite pleased to find he got the role *
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And I agree with you :) such a happy film! Don't you just love the end scene? When he takes her to the sea side?!
Soph wrote: "Really? You pictured him? How cool! And I agree with you :) such a happy film! Don't you just love the end scene? When he takes her to the sea side?!"
Yes ! That was a remarkably interisting scene , because it also depicts the first time emma gets to leave her home town in travel , so she actually sees the see for the firsg time with him ... (her father s situation obliged her hitherto to remain with him)
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How many hours is this film ?I hav not seen it and will try to find it as all my friends here seem to like it (if it is short I shall not even try )
Mrs wrote: "How many hours is this film ?I hav not seen it and will try to find it as all my friends here seem to like it (if it is short I shall not even try )"It's about four hours and an excellent investment of time if you like movies similar to the books.
"she litteraly comunicated that fresh , energitic bloom of emma to me .. that cheerfulness totally captured as it was in the ..." Nicely described, Dia
Yes, the ending at the seaside was very nice and definitely in the "happy sigh moment" category. Agree with you, Soph, I feel sooooo bad for Miss Jane at Box Hill. I don't like watching people flirt, but to have to watch your betrothed flirt would be dreadful and disgusting. As unladylike as it would have been, I think she should have slapped him.
Along that thought, what did you think of Frank and Jane's "reunion" when they kiss in the town square? I smiled because I was happy for them, and I guess I'm glad Jane forgave him...but... Hmm... I wonder if Jane forgave him because she really loved him or if she was looking for a secure and safe position in life (married, and not a governess). Your thoughts?
Sarah wrote: "Yes, the ending at the seaside was very nice and definitely in the "happy sigh moment" category. Agree with you, Soph, I feel sooooo bad for Miss Jane at Box Hill. I don't like watching people fl..."
No i do not think so actually m given the fact that Jane Fairfax was about to accept the post of a governess instead of rejoining her wealthy friends again , is a proof that she was too grieved with love to think about money and social situation ! Behind that mask of reserve and secrecy , whish i own i hated as much as emma did , there was a very tender fragile heart that she bestowed wholly o Frank ... so in the end , when i got a better understanding of jane s characer , i deemed him unworthy of her !
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Soph wrote: "about Jane... I do love the scene when the reunited and it does help to alleviate my anger towards Frank and sadness on Jane behalf as they are so happy. I do think she loved him but she was too go..."Definitely too kind and compassionate for Frank. Of course they're fictional characters, but I agree with Emma when she tells him "treat her well." I think it's Frank who doesn't really understand what love is, but hopefully he learned.
I love love love this Emma 09 love! (lol, can you tell I'm not a writer?). It is far and away my favorite Austen adaptation...ahead of P&P 95 and S&S 95 and 08, even tho Emma is my 4th favorite Austen big six book. I have been especially interested in reading the comments about Jane Fairfax. Her portrayal is the only one in this adaptation that I have slight questions about. Indeed, every other portrayal is my favorite of the four Emma adaptations I've watched. While I know almost nothing about acting, it seems to me that Olivia Williams as Jane Fairfax in the Kate version(fun fact, Kate Beckinsale and Olivia Williams share the same bday, I think three years apart) is so quietly powerful...although I think she gets very little actual screen time. Sometimes I love the portrayal of Jane Fairfax in 09....especially the whole Post Office part in the rain and before dinner where she stands up to Mrs. Elton and Emma backs her(a scene that PBS cut when it was aired...shame shame shame PBS)....and sometimes not as much...Box Hill...perhaps whiny(sp?). I agree with Soph about Jane Fairfax. I think if she hated him, she won't marry him....if say...Mr. Elton had all the money...I think Jane Fairfax won't marry him, although it would "save" Miss Bates/Mrs. Bates. Lol, as Mr Knightley is my favorite male lead character, I view Frank thru that lens.
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I agree! I hope he learned and treated her as she deserved!
Kirk wrote: "I love love love this Emma 09 love! (lol, can you tell I'm not a writer?). It is far and away my favorite Austen adaptation...ahead of P&P 95 and S&S 95 and 08, even tho Emma is my 4th favorite Aus..."
I know what you mean about Jane in the Paltrow version (but what was going on with Churchill's hair!?) but she seems to me... I don't know too old? I don't know if that is what I mean, but in 09 she seems more how I would see Jane, as jane is still a young woman. I loved the post office scene as well, and standing up to Elton. I don't blame her behaviour/how the actress acted that scene as how would you feel if your betrothed acted like that with another woman and in such large company!? even though they were hiding it, I would still think that went too far and have been rather annoyed! hahah
Agree with Kirk and Soph about Jane Fairfax's character. And yes, Soph, what were the film-makers thinking with Churchill's hair in the GPaltrow version. He really needs to go to London for a haircut!It may already have been done, but it would be interesting to write the story of Emma from Jane's perspective. Adding, of course, details of how she met Frank, how she was persuaded to keep the engagement secret, etc. etc. etc. It's definitely an angle to the original story that I hadn't really thought about.
"Jane Fairfax" by Joan Aiken! I enjoyed it and others in my book clubs did too. I'm blanking on the questions you mention Sarah. I'll have to read it for the 3rd time soon.
Kirk wrote: ""Jane Fairfax" by Joan Aiken! I enjoyed it and others in my book clubs did too. I'm blanking on the questions you mention Sarah. I'll have to read it for the 3rd time soon."Ooh, sounds interesting! Is the writing style "Jane Austenish" or is there modern mannerisms in it? I'm not so fond of the latter style.
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@Sarah Well, "Jane Austenish"(love that expression) sorta. No modern mannerisms. The wonderful Austenesque Reviews gave the book 5 out of 5 stars but said that overall style is not exactly Jane Austen....hmmm. Do you not like modern sequels? Mary Jane Hathaway's "Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits" has two Civil War Profs doing the Lizzy/Darcy thing. Her next "Jane Austen Takes The South" book(comes out in Nov) takes place near Brices Cross Roads. @Soph Enjoy!!!
Kirk wrote: "@Sarah Well, "Jane Austenish"(love that expression) sorta. No modern mannerisms. The wonderful Austenesque Reviews gave the book 5 out of 5 stars but said that overall style is not exactly Jane Aus..."Confession...I've never read a modern sequel. I'll have to find out a little more about the book and will definitely consider it. Thanks for sharing the title and info.
OK, I'm ready to evaluate costumes from the movie.On the whole, I loved them, and they looked pretty authentic to my costuming eye. Not exactly sure about Emma's "jumper dresses" worn with the white blouse garment, but it was a cute outfit and I try not to get too crazy about authentic clothes in movies like this.
Evening Dress = Emma's Ball Gown (lovely...I want one!)
Other Evening Dresses worthy of mention = Harriet's ball gown (love the simplicity) Isabella's blue gown and Mrs. Weston's ball gown (nice, matronly dresses)
Day Dresses = Emma's yellow dress with the blue flowers was probably my absolute favorite, though her pink day dresses (she has a lot of them) are pretty also.
Jane Fairfax's clothing was simple, but very pretty. Her blue evening gown (Cole's party) was very elegant.
I liked the pale purple coat that Miss Taylor is wearing in church when she sees Mr. Weston.
I like Emma's country straw hat...so cute!
Did not like Mrs. E.'s clothing - definitely over-trimmed despite her horror of such a thing.
Now, for the gentlemen's clothing...I remember thinking it looked good, but I can't remember any specific coats or outfits to mention...sorry. (Oh, I need to watch it again!)
I did like Mr. Woodhouse's scarves and coats - that was perfect for his character.
I liked how they used the gentlemen's clothing to show their characters - Frank's is quite formally (except when he starts to "undress" because he's too warm), Mr. Elton seems to think too much about his appearance, and Mr. Knightly's clothing looks quite relaxed.
Well, this wouldn't quite be complete without mentioning wedding dresses. Interesting that Isabella and Harriet worn white and Emma wore gold. (From what I've read, white wasn't a traditional wedding color back then). I liked Emma's dress a lot and thought it was clever how they added the cream spencer jacket when she's in the carriage to get the "traditional" white color.
That's about all I can think of at the moment. What do you think? If ya'll can remember more of the gentlemen's clothing please mention it.
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Did you notice you Harriet started to mirror what Emma was wearing? That was a nice touch - shows how she looked up to and wanted to be like Emma! I think there is a video about it someone.... Or it's in the special features. I'll find it on YouTube.
I love Mr Woodhouse as well!
As to the gentlemen, I agree that there clothing worked for each character and what they were meant to be like. I liked Frank's on the whole and of course Knightley! I think Lee Miller is one of the few who can pull off a top hat quite well! Do you agree?
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bkjXc2K...
General behind the scenes:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=80iDGsk...
Locations:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dViU6hD...
Music:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9VesGh...
Mr Woodhouse!:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o5PPLnx...
Soph wrote: "I agree. The costumes were pretty accurate I think. I loved Emma wardrobe and the other characters you mentioned I agree with, especially that purple coat!Did you notice you Harriet started to mi..."
Oh, great insight on Harriet copying Emma. Yes, Miller wore the top hat very well.
And thanks for the video links.
I've read the book and seen the movie version with G. Paltrow. Heard good things about the 2009 adaption and am anxious to see it.
Maybe you'll want to watch it too and next week we can chatter about what we liked, didn't like, want to change, etc. etc. etc.