Posted by Julia on August 30, 1997 at 09:10:13:
In reply to Re: I watched Emma2 again (long post alert) posted by Peggy Haley on August 30, 1997 at 04:24:46
First of all, IMO, all Emma adaptions should be considered in the light that they could never be exactly the same as the book. Emma2 and Emma3 should be considered in the light that they had a 2 hr. time limitation, and they did what they could.
Emma is not a drama. That is what drags Emma3 into the ground and makes it difficult to watch. Where is the humor in Emma3? It is all so dark and downright boring. Beckingsale has been good elsewhere, so her lackluster portrayel is a disapointment. I did not like Mark Strong as Knightley. Knightley is 37, not 50! And why make Frank into a villian? ! And you are not going to tell me that there are no made-up lines in Emma3! How about Emma announcing to the entire dinner party that if she would ever marry, FC would be her choice!
As for Emma2, I admit that I prefer it, basically on the basis of its being more pleasant to watch. I'll start with the actors. Paltrow was perfection. She makes Beckingsale look so hapless in comparison. JN was too young by three years, because he was 34 when the film was made. But three years underage was better than 13 years overage. And aside from that, his performance was impeccable. The "Badly done!" scene was excellant. Paltrow's expressions in that scene were also good.
I liked Sophie Thompson as Miss Bates, and Mrs. Bates was also good. The Westons were alright, but they weren't shown enough, because there simply wasn't time. Harriet's hair color was off, but she was a good Harriet, especially in the scene where Emma tells her about Mr. Elton. Mr. Woodhouse was too robust. The Eltons were very good.
I have to admit that when I go to the movies, I like to see attractive people. When I was reading the book, I pictured Mr. Knightley as being very handsome. In Emma3, I cracked up during the ball scene, when Mr. K's "tall, upright figure, among the...bulky figures," ect. was supposed to be shown off- MS doesn't look much better than the older men! Balding, pale, and sallow is not Mr. K. Furthermore, I don't think JN smiled too much, because Mr. Knightley should have a good sense of humor. MS was so angry all the time that one wonders whether he ever lightens up at all.
That's my opinion, and you can also throw in my mom and sister. I look forward to seeing Emma1, but have been unable to locate it anywhere!
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