Review of Emma. (2020) by Greatmartin — 06 Mar 2020

Until I met a friend in 1967 I was a "Yes, I've read 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility' and that was my extent of 'knowing' Jane Austen. Over the years I have seen some movies based on the titles I mentioned and until I met the aforementioned friend I spelled the last name Austin! Little by little I read more of her books and, on my own, did some research on the author.

I really wasn't familiar with Jane Austen's "Emma" or the movies, including "Clueless", based on the book. This version has constant reminders of the title actress, Anya Taylor-Joy, of her big expressive eyes and curled hair. She sees herself as a matchmaker who boasts that she has never been wrong yet! Three hours later I still see the eyes and curls but except for that one line, I couldn't tell you what else she said!

I have mentioned before that recently I have had problems hearing in movies so I have been using earphones but though I could follow the storyline--being familiar with Austen's works helped--I had a hard time understanding any of the actors including Johnny Flynn, Josh O'Connor, Mia Goth and Amber Anderson but Bill Nighy, as Emma's father, gets across exactly what he is thinking and saying with his face, body and mere glances.

The PBS aspect of "Emma" meaning the lush England lawns, gardens and homes plus the costumes and hairstyles is Masterpiece Theatre at its best.

At times the music was jarring but at least it broke up the boredom I experienced watching the film.