Watching Emma 2009 is a visual feast for the eye. I wrote about my visceral reaction to this film for the PBS blog Remotely Connected and discussed the similarities between Jane Austen and Vermeer. This review addresses my other impressions about Emma 2009, first shown by the BBC in Great Britain last fall and airing on PBS Masterpiece Classic over the next three Sundays. Take a poll here and tell us what you think of Episode One.
A young Emma plays with her sister Isabella in Hartfield
I am of two minds about this new version of Emma. The script follows the story linearly, from Emma’s birth to the moment of Miss Taylor’s wedding to Mr. Weston, whereas in the book the story starts with the marriage. Interestingly, the narrator at the start of the film is Jonny Lee Miller (Mr Knightley), and we hear of Emma’s story from his perspective. The film sets up three characters from the start: Emma Woodhouse, Frank Churchill née Weston, and Jane Fairfax. All three children lost their mothers at an early age, but only Emma remained in Highbury. She led a charmed life under the care of her governess, Miss Taylor, a kind and loving mother figure.
Emma walks with Miss Taylor in Highbury
I must admit that I was in “high dudgeon” when I first watched these scenes, unable to connect the script to Jane Austen’s writing. However, I am aware that films are a visual and expensive medium, and they must not only take into account time restrictions, but also the richness of visual language. It might take Jane Austen several pages to describe a scene that the eye can perceive within moments. Mr. Woodhouse’s nervous-Nellie approach to life, always worried about the minutia of the health and the welfare of his family and friends, is woven into the fabric of the script, and is often shown more than told.
Tamsin Greig as Miss Bates
Mrs. and Miss Bates’ downfall is not described per se. We first see them saying goodbye to Jane Fairfax in the hallway of the comfortable vicarage, which was their home when Rev. Bates was still alive. We then see them next in their new lodging, an upstairs apartment in Highbury with crumbling walls and meanly furnished rooms. A single glance from Tamsin Greig (Miss Bates) belies her cheery disposition and tells us all we need to know about their reduced circumstances.
Emma 2010 character costumes compliment the setting and each other
I was also struck by the costumes and how the colors the characters wore complimented the settings as well as each other. In one scene in Hartfield, Mr. Knightley’s vest, Mr. Woodhouse’s scarf, and Emma’s sash picked up the colors in the room and of each other. This scheme is followed repeatedly in many scenes.
Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley reacts to Harriet Smith's rejection of Mr. Martin
The more I watch this film adaptation (I have seen portions of it four times), the more my impressions of the actors keep changing. In real life, Jonny Lee Miller is 37 years old, exactly Mr. Knightley’s age. Some critics have thought him too young or all wrong for the part, but as the film progressed, especially in the second and third installments, I warmed towards him. I now regard his performance as George Knightley as my favorite of all the actors who have played this gentleman. High praise coming from me, for I admit I was among the naysayers when Jonny’s casting was first announced.
Emma (Romola Garai) talks to Mr. Knightley
Although I changed my mind about Jonny Lee Miller, I have never quite warmed up to Romola Garai as Emma. She is a lovely and talented actress, and I liked her star turn in Daniel Deronda immensely, but I found her facial contortions in this film disconcerting and cannot recall such exaggerated mannerisms in her other films. A friend who watched the film with me liked Romola’s performance, saying that her portrayal of a spoilt, headstrong girl who was raised by a doting father was spot on. However, I thought Romola’s performance was too theatrical, as if she were trying to reach the audience seated in the last row of a large theatre. The camera’s lens magnifies everything facial movement, and she could have (should have) toned down her grimaces, toothy smiles, and wide-eyed looks of wonder or consternation. I did come to appreciate Romola’s chemistry with Jonny Lee Miller, which was palpable. One can see the sparks fly between these two characters, which is the point of a romance after all.
Blake Ritson as Mr. Elton offers to take Emma's drawing to London to be framed. Mr. Knightley watches the scene, aware of Mr. Elton's intentions, but Emma is clueless.
As for the secondary characters, I admired Tamsin Greig’s Miss Bates, which surprised me. While her character is irritating, Tamsin managed to make us feel sorry for her even as we were irritated by her babbling. Her performance is almost as memorable as Sophie Thompson’s, whose 1996 portrayal of Miss Bates remains my favorite. Valerie Lillie’s performance as Mrs. Bates was way past tea, for she looked comatose and unresponsive. Frankly, her part required nothing more than for her to sit in a chair and look dour. Blake Ritson’s turn as Mr. Elton was a bit too mannered for my tastes, but he was perfectly matched with Christina Cole’s vulgar Mrs. Elton. And I quit liked Louise Dylan as Harriet Smith: pretty but not as attractive as beautiful Emma, sweet-natured and malleable, and as dim as a snuffed candle. I’m not sure Michael Gambon was quite right for the part of Mr. Woodhouse. His face and figure are too vigorous for a hypochondriac and worrywart, and his performance did not in any way displace my estimation of Bernard Hepton’s masterful portrayal of Mr.Woodhouse in 1996.
Michael Gambon as Mr. Woodhouse
As far as I am concerned, the Frank Churchill of my imagination has never been captured by any of the Emma adaptations, including this one. I thought that pug-nosed Rupert Evans was all wrong for the part and I did not believe for a moment that anything about his looks or behavior would attract Emma’s interest. As for Laura Pyper as Jane Fairfax, she’s talented, but much too mousy for my tastes. Yes, her situation is untenable, for Frank does not at all act in a gentleman like manner, but I rather liked Olivia Williams’ interpretation of the character, beautiful, demure, and alternately angry and hurt.
Emma finally meets Frank Churchill (Rupert Evans)
This film gets stronger with each episode, and the second and third installments sealed my admiration for this latest version of Emma. The cinematography is beautiful and the actors play their characters in lovely interiors, settings and locations. The film is almost four hours long, which, thankfully, allows for more plot and character development than a 2-hour version.
At the Coles, Emma and Mrs. Weston (Johdi May) listen to Jane Fairfax sing and play
I must add that PBS has gone out of its way to make its Masterpiece Classic site worth visiting. Those who missed the first installment can watch it online starting Monday, January 25th. The site offers a Bachelors of Highbury quiz (such fun), a Romola Garai audio slide show, screenwriter Q&A with Sandy Welch, and other features.
My other posts:
Jane Austen's World 
Part I was pretty good. The costumes and scenery and exquisite and the acting seems good. I found myself giggling a lot which surprised me. I don’t remember the Gwyneth Paltrow version but this one seems to be a good introduction for those who like period pieces but may not have read the book. I look forward to part II.
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I loved Romola as Emma. I agree that her emoting could be very theatrical at times, but to me it seems her facial expressions were more toned down at the end, thus visually conveying the growth of her character. She exhibits a “Clueless” kind of immaturity and that works for me. Makes her character less manipulative and more endearing. You can forgive her, sort of, because she’s like modern naive teenage girls with their overdramatic OMGs, and “he said/she said’s”.
i’ve been working through it on you tube since it hasn’t screen here yet. Not a bad way to watch but I will look forward to watching it on a full sized screen.
So far I’ve enjoyed Romola as Emma. I’ve found her slightly pompous but also sweet – a good combination of Emma-isms.
I always rather favoured Kate Beckinsale; but preferred Jeremy Northam as Mr knightley!
Anyway, I’ll keep watching on You Tube and look forward to when it shows up in Australia finally!
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Ever since I first read your comparison of the cinematography in this film to Vermeer last fall I have been continuously struck by what an acute observation it was (I am on my 4th or 5ht viewing). Do you know how intentional this was? I liked your piece comparing Austen and Vermeer’s lives, but cannot come up with a good reason why the decision was made to use his imagery in an Emma adaptation.
Romola is growing on me as Emma but I agree her body language and facial expressions are all wrong. Once I got beyond them (which took a few viewings) I appreciated her performance more. You are absolutely right – the tension and chemistry between her and Miller is excellent.
Alexa: I don’t know if the director meant to play homage to Vermeer, but the result is the same. Ang Lee’s version of Sense and Sensibility shows similar shots of beautiful interiors and vignettes that remind one of genre paintings. These beautiful British heritage houses lend themselves well to this treatment. I was struck by how the color of the costumes coordinated so well with the settings. At one point, Emma enters the drawing room where she meets Frank Churchill formally. Mr. Woodhouse chats with Mr. Weston and Frank Churchill, and all three men (and the dark clothes they wear) fit in solidly within the environment. Only Emma in her bright coral dress sticks out, as if she does not belong or is intruding. Perhaps I am reading too much into this production, but I do believe the choices were deliberate and well thought out.
I am enjoying this adaptation! Clueless isn’t my favorite Austen adaptation. I don’t know if it’s my favorite Emma one, either, though it’s fun. I liked the Beckinsale one except I thought the Knightley in that one was WAY too harsh; he was not empathetic at all. Jonny Lee Miller does much better in striking the tone of a man in love with a woman whom he thinks treats him like an older brother :-) But I still like Northam best. I liked Miller in Mansfield Park, too, except I never liked Edmund. I thought he was a very dull and wimpy character. Knightley gives him more room to perform.
I would agree about Garai’s expressions, but I think she gets Emma’s personality down quite well. I found her excitement of the Elton situation and then her subsequent disillusionment more believable than the Paltrow version.
I’m excited about the next episodes! Wish they’d air BOTH of them next week, not one hour each for the next two.
The PBS version was my first exposure to Emma, both print and film. And I enjoyed it! I am a rookie when it comes to British actors etc, and I didn’t find any of the actors annoying.. such as Romola etc. Since I am a rookie, I am just able to sit back and either enjoy or hate.. and I ENJOY! =)
I think that once I read Austen’s version it will be all the more pleasurable for me at that time.
I enjoyed the twitter party as well!
It’s disconcerting to have a male narrator for an Austen adaptation. However, I very much enjoyed the first part and look forward to seeing the rest. I get all the actors from the two 1996 versions mixed up, so I can’t decide which has the best overall cast. But, clearly, Sophie Thompson was the best Miss Bates. In fact, the other Eric refuses to watch another adaptation because he loved her performance so much (or, at least, he uses that as an excuse not to watch Masterpiece with me).
Hi Eric, So nice to read your comments. Yes, I agree about your assessment of Miss Bates. Glad you are enjoying the series. I’ll be visiting your site soon, for I am dying to read your take on the latest Project Runway.
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This is the first I had heard of this new Austen film! Thank you.
We shall see what my opinion of this “Emma” is as the weeks progress. I will probably end up being the same way about this as I was with “Sense and Sensibility”–I thought I would hate everything EXCEPT Emma Thompson’s version….but now, I love both for different reason.
But Jeremy Northam left huge shoes; that is one issue I have. I am one that has problems disengaging from one version when watching another
Thoughtful and sensitive review Vic. You have an artists eye which appreciated the visual craft of this adapttion. I didn’t think Frank was quite right either, and Jane was TOO mousy. As always, all your observations are quite helpful to my enjoyment.
I am enjoying this ‘Emma’ simply because I love all costume drama adaptations. I still prefer Gweneth Paltrow, who, I thought, was a perfect Emma. This Emma is too loveable – Emma, it seemed to me (and I am recalling my FIRST impression when I first read the book) is NOT lovelable. I agree that this Mr. Knightley is really quite good. I just found your blog – I really love it.
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love Emma on masterpiece theatre. I think of all the recent film adaptations of Emma this is my favorite. looking forward to this week.
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Just read your blog about the similarities between Jane Austen and Johannes Vermeer. Truly a fascinating and pleasurable read! I think your visceral reaction to the visuals of this adaptation is equal to my visceral reaction to the music. No doubt, Samuel Sim’s scoring swayed my vote for this adaptation. Just the opening credits alone, one can already picture busybody Emma running about Highbury, micromanaging everyone’s love life! =) As to Mr. Knightley’s theme, although a slight rip off from Bach’s Cello Suite, it is so appropriate for his earthy and noble character. And what can I say about the dance theme for Emma and Mr. Knightley? The cello ostinato simulates the throbbing heartbeats of two slowly awakening hearts… Sigh, I’ll forgive all the flaws of this adaptation just for that scene alone!
I loved this adaptation. I preferred it to the Kate Beckinsale version. While that was so true to the novel, Mr. Knightley was far too angry, and I found him too off-putting to enjoy it.
There is a wonderful scene on Youtube of Emma and Mr. Knightley on a bench, immediately after the proposal. This was NOT in the Masterpiece version. Why would they cut it?
This part is in it I think, at least, I have to DVD and it is in it. I loved this part too. SO CUTE!
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absolutely loved this version of Emma.I haven’t seen other ones yet and don’t know if I really want to since the characters have endeared themselves to me. Everything about it was fabulous.Well Done!!!!!!
This is by far the my favourite adaptation of Emma. It’s modern yet it still embodies the spirit of the book. Nicely Done! I think JLM makes a superb Mr. Knightley, and the chemistry between him and Romola Garai gave me goosebumps.
I just caught the deleted scene on youtube and am a little surprised that it was cut on the PBS version.
I, too, just discovered your blog and am looking forward to exploring it.
Loved this new version of Emma, and have now watched it many times on line. The BBC 4 part series includes quite a few scenes that were cut from the Masterpiece series. After seeing these that were cut, I’m kind of unhappy that the Masterpiece editors were so aggessive in cutting things out to fit their time slots –perhaps Masterpiece needs to shorten their intros and summaries of previous episodes so they can actually show the whole thing next time. The missing scenes include: showing Mr. Knightley moping about Emma’s plans for the ball and declaring there that he does not dance and is not good at it –adding sense to his later statement that he has told her that he doesn’t dance. Also, it shows Emma trying to be friendly toward Miss Fairfax after Box Hill, and her being rejected by her –which explaines why she later says, after hearing of Mr. Churchill and Jane’s engagement, that it is no wonder that Jane can’t stand the sight of her. There are other small enhancements to the BBC edit that add to the story including the scene on the bench after the proposal! After 4 hours of buildup, we want to see these two together!!
As for the casting, I think it is wonderful. JLM makes a wonderful Mr. Knightly. His acting along with the script’s interpretation of his personality and character add a lot to the story that is frankly missing in the book. Ms. Austen likes to leave too much mystery in her male heros to the point that the reader (or viewer in the movies) never sees inside these male characters until the end and it is unsatisfying to many of us I think. This Mr. Knightly is playful with his “little sister” at first while always being caring towards her, teasing her too at times, but never in a mean way. It is so believable that they can say almost anything to each other with their long history, and it is refreshing to see the script embrace this familiarity between them. The relationship really takes a turn on Mr. Knightley’s part after that dance! Emma is slow to see this change in him, or know her own heart.
So wonderful!!! Where are all the Mr. Knightley’s in this world??
While I have seen most adaptations of Emma, I never had read the book. I read it after I saw the first part of Emma. I loved this–and the book–from beginning to end. Garai was wonderful, and the banter between Emma and her Mr. Knightley was sparkling. Jonny Lee Miller was simply the best. I loved the sly smiles of this Anne Taylor. Question: In all the adaptations there were scenes I couldn’t find in the boo. Harriet posing in the Grecian style or Emma stumbling upon Frank Churchill before she knew he WAS Frank Churchill. Did I read an abridged version>
I love Jonny Lee Miller as Knightly; exactly as I imagined him, full of manliness, healthy vigor, and graciousness. And he doesn’t look like an old man — someone finally got this right. I thought Laura Pyper’s performance as Jane Fairfax came across as flat and frankly boring rather than reserved. I’m still on the fence about Romola’s Emma. I felt that this adaptation did an excellent job of showing Emma’s spoiled, selfish, and immature qualities, but lost the essential and illusive charm that makes her so lovable on the page and indeed in the version with Kate Beckinsale. Watching it again, I liked her better and in a number of scenes her acting is very moving. I agree she over-emotes, perhaps in an attempt to make her Emma seem younger.
The costumes were a disgrace. The men looked perfect, but they missed the mark entirely with the outrageous chintz fabrics in ugly colors that they used for the gowns. The ladies look like cheaply upholstered sofas.
Still, I really do enjoy this adaptation more each time I watch it, particularly the unique reading of the novel presented here. Watching Knightly and Emma fall in love during their dance is my favorite moment. And what a beautiful soundtrack!
Nearly forgot! There is a moment when Knightly flings open his door and engraved in the stone in the arch above him are the words “Sed Semper Amico” (“But Always a Friend”) — I nearly cried. I thought it was such a wonderful touch.
HELLO MASTERPIECE CLASS , I AM REAL VERY INTEREST OLD FASHION A MOIVE . I LOVE SUCH WATCH EMMA AND SMALL ISLAND AND A NEWS FOLYER ‘S WAR . I AM SO GLAD TO APPRECIATE WATCH SUCH . I AM CONDSIDER THAT HAVE ANY OLD BLACK PEOPLE ARE SALVES FROM BOAT TO NC OR VA . HE IS SKILL DANCE WITH WHITE LADY AT HOME HE IS SERVANT FOR WHITE RICH PEOPLE ‘S DINNER . SALVES MAN WAS COMING FROM AFRICA AND LONG THE BOAT. I WANT TO WATCH ANY TIME IF YOU WILL BE PREPARE CHOICE A DVD FOR MASTERPIECE CLASS THE TV CHANNEL 2 TPT
So, Emma is like my favorite Jane Austen book and I have to say that I LOVED this adaptation, but I hated the other ones… passionately.
I think Jonny is the PERFECT Mr. Knightley, just who I would have chosen. I sort of love his face though… But I think He was a good Mr. Knightley.
I LOVED Romola for Emma too! I did have issues with her posture and hand movements which I felt looked awkward and clumsy which I think is nothing like Emma, but I think she did very good as Emma. My other problem was that she is so fair when Emma is Dark hair and eyes, but I got over that with-in seconds, hahaha. But I loved her performance. When watching it the other day I decided to re-read the book as I do like… every few months, hahaha, and I found it to be nearly exactly like the book, which I loved.
Overall, I think this is my new favorite movie. I could watch it everyday for the rest of my life, I actually watched it today. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Definitely the best Emma made ever.
Yes, Heather. So could I. Still. I have cut down; I just watch it weekly now.