Based, of course, on the renowned Jane Austen novel (why the film's title has a full stop/period after the title name is unclear) which I've read two or three times and admire.
Set in the early 19th century, I found this version somewhat long-winded and occasionally even stagnant, though I must say that it really is sumptuous to look at throughout, costumes, scenery and landscapes (filmed in Gloucestershire) all beautifully delivered to screen.
The cast had only three names with which I was familiar, one of which is the ever-reliable Bill Nighy (yet again) as Emma Woodhouse's father. She herself is played by Anya Taylor-Joy who actually does look the part of the snooty, interfering, superiority-complexed young lady whose own romantic intentions remain off-limits for everyone but her. Btw: Why is Nighy, in just about all the many films he's appeared in, only ever given 'bit' parts, of which this is another one? He's never given a chance to demonstrate his full potential, and he's always so watchable.
The male lead of George Knightley is played by one Johnny Flynn, another name new to me - hovering around, not making commitments, scorned by Emma herself (at least publicly) though anyone not familiar with the story can guess how it's going to end.
Flynn is an actor who mystifies me as to why he should make young ladies' hearts turn all a-flutter - despite us getting a full couple of seconds shot of his undraped entire rear side (Ooh! How daring!" - Pah!) On the other hand I can see why Anya Taylor-Joy would be alluring to a hetero-male gaze - a bit of a beauteous, emotionless 'challenge' wrapped up as she is in all that impervious 'ice' which needs chipping away!
Miranda Hart is a pleasure to watch as the talkative, middle-aged spinster acquaintance of Emma, while we all wait for the infamously cruel put-down of her by Emma herself in front of the picnic party, and whose execution is here handled very well, Hart herself heart-breaking in her crushed reaction to the callous public humiliation.
The only other name I recognised in the cast was Rupert Graves, though on screen I have to admit that I barely recognised him.
Now I must reveal that for me one of the very worst aspects of this film is the mood-directing background score, telling you how to react - in just about every frigging scene! Right from the the very start we get these jaunty tunes under the dialogue, presumably meant to put - or to keep - a smile on your face. Hell's bells! I just wanted to yell STFU!!! Let the words do the talking! To be fair there is, later, a little variety with a group singing a capella 'Steeleye Span' style. But, dearie me, all so extraneous!
Director Autumn de Wilde (now there's a name for you! And btw, it's a 'he') whose first full-length feature this happens to be (Gawd help us!) pulls out all the stops (too many!) to give this the treatment he feels it deserves. However gorgeous it is too look at - and it really is - it's all a bit laboured, the concluding half hour or so especially I thought really dragged, almost fatally. Oh, and there is, naturally, the 'regulation' period-piece dance scene!
Apart from two or three of the more mature cast members I think the film would be improved without any sound at all, maybe with just subtitles. Crucially however, I think this film is a mis-step - though it hardly needs stating that my opinion is that of just one individual. I feel we don't really need yet another cinema version of this tale - at least not yet..............5.
(IMDb...............6.9 - Rott Toms (critics only)...........89% [What?!!] )
Having seen the earlier version I will give this one a miss. I sometimes wonder why we need new versions of everything these days.
ReplyDeleteAlthough some have expressed their admiration for this latest adaptation, Carol, I'd be surprised if any of them would maintain that this is the best there has been to date. But who knows? There may well be some who think so. I WOULD say, however, that if you're at all curious about it, then do go. The visuals at least are splendid.
DeleteI could not make up my mind if I wanted to see this movie. I still cannot. You disliked it, Rachel loved it. Curious how two people can see the same film and come out with different opinions. I guess that everything is subjective.
ReplyDeleteI'd guess from what I've read and heard, that there are rather more who feel positive about it than otherwise. The ratings I quote seem to suggest it. It's probably me that's outside the film's target audience range - most certainly, in fact.
DeleteIf this plays in my town, I would probably go see it as it is not animated or contains a super hero. Wouldn't mind seeing that backside ;)
ReplyDeleteThe 'backside' appears about half an hour in, Mark. Even though Johnny Flynn does nothing for me his back view is not at all a bad one, but it's only about two seconds of it, if even that - hardly enough for a significant reason to fork out to see the film. (It's okay, I saw your wink!)
DeleteHowever, I cannot claim that the film has no merit at all - quite the contrary, actually. But, as I suggest, a pair of ear muffs would improve it considerably.
I saw this movie last week. I thought it was a bit over styled with the hyper colours and over done decor and costumes, but the story of Jane Austen with its charm and wit won me over in the end.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere recently that Jane Austens books seldom suit being crammed into a 1.5 hour movie, but are move a six part series where the relationships and stories can be better explored.
Still by the end I was smiling and glad that Emmas meddling did no real harm.
Julie
PS - Johnny Guitar - your comment is just creepy.
What you disliked in your first para above was what I found the most attractive part of the film, Poppy - but there you are! I can't say that at any point I was myself 'won over' though I did like the few touches I've already mentioned.
DeleteLike virtually all books being filmed it's always a problem what parts for them to leave out. A description of a room, say, can take a full page of a novel but in a film no comment is made other than being just presented visually on screen. It's the eternal difference between two very different means of communication, I suppose.
But pleased you finally enjoyed the film, leaving me wishing that I'd done likewise.
Btw: You might notice that I've deleted 'Johnny Guitar's comment as well as all the other comments under his long list of aliases (including my very own blog-name!). I only wish he'd find another blogger to be a nuisance to, someone who might appreciate his contributions which he finds so entertaining himself - and someone with a likelier longer life-span in front of him/her than I've probably got.
I thought the same thing when I saw this was coming out. How many takes on Emma and Little Women do we need??? I plan to see Emma if only to watch Miranda Hart. I adore her in all she has done...including her UK show from a couple years back, Miranda. Her comic timing is right on.
ReplyDeleteFor me she was one of the few attractions in the film, M.M. Although, of course, I know who she is I've never seen her in anything on the telly apart from a few 'guest' appearances on chat r panel shows, and that only because I don't watch much T.V.
DeleteAlthough her role here is significant in the story it's not such a substantial part, but slightly moreso than Bill Nighy's.
I have only just seen this movie, hence the late comment. I really loved this version, much more than the Gwyneth one. Although I am probably old enough to be his Mum, ( if I had been a very naughty teen ) I can see the attraction of Johnny Flynn. He sang on the soundtrack, certainly the last song as the credits rolled, and was a singer before an actor... I too wish Miranda's part could have been bigger.
ReplyDeleteGood that you really liked this, D. I'm not going to claim that I am 'right' and you are 'wrong'. It's all very personal and subjective. I've laid out what I felt were its weaknesses and won't repeat them.
DeleteAny attraction that Flynn held missed me completely, though he wasn't aimed at the likes of me. Wasn't aware of his being singer as well as actor.
Pleased that you felt it was a worthwhile experience, something that seems to have been the case with more people than felt otherwise.