Maybe I should go through old emails more often???

 I found this movie review for a movie/literature course I took in 2008.   It was interesting to read and definitely made me remember why I love this movie so much!

A look at the 1996 movie Emma

The comic romance upon which this film is based was written by Jane Austen and published in 1814. Though it is not the most popular of Austen's novels, it has been referenced or adapted numerous times in both movies or television series. This film which is being reviewed was released in 1996. It was also produced for British television as mini-series in both 1972 and 1996. Additionally, in 1995, a modern adapation called Clueless was made starring Alicia Silverstone in the lead "Emma" role of Cher. It was announced in April of 2008 that an urban hip-hop musical version is in the works. It has even made its way into pop-culture t.v. When Gwyneth Paltrow hosted Saturday Night Live, they did a skit which referenced the archery scene in this movie. It is clear that the appeal of this movie is timeless. In the case of this particular movie, the use of music, light and shadow, great acting and cinematography make it a classic which will be enjoyed by everyone who enjoys well-made films.

During this 2 hour and 52 second film, Emma Woodhouse and the people of her rural town near London experience a life where none of them work. Instead they participate in social activities like picnics, dinner parties and dances. They experience the excitement of intrigue, the heartbreak of deceit, and the fulfillment of romance. Gwyneth Paltrow plays the well-meaning, good-hearted and mischievous Emma who wants only to find a suitable and financially secure husband for her poorer friend, Harriet. Jeremy Northam plays the wise and kind, quietly humorous though somewhat stern, next door neighbor and close family friend, Mr. Knightly. Harriet is played by Australian actress Toni Collette and Alan Cummings plays well the detestable Mr. Elton. Mrs. And Miss Bates, mother and daughter, are played by real-life mother and daughter Phyllida Law and Sophie Thompson. This film was screenwritten and directed by Douglas McGrath. The cinematography was brilliantly done by Ian Wilson. This film is interesting from start to finish.

One of the most unique and fascinating facets of this film is the cinematography. Ian Wilson uses light and shadow, and shared scenery to make it so fun to watch! When we, the viewers, need to notice the emotional state of the characters, Mr. Wilson placed the actors in a location where shadow covers half of their faces. The expression of their emotional state is, somehow, underlined and emphasized by his use of light. Whether the emotion be jealousy or love or grief, the viewers are made aware that something important is being felt. With one of the most unique uses of his camera, Mr. Wilson uses common inanimate background objects to change scenes. Often the camera strays away from an outdoor scene up to a tree and suddenly away again from the tree to a new scene with different actors.

I highly recommend this movie. Because it is a romance, it will definitely appeal almost completely to both adult and teenaged girls. Film minded males or at least open-minded ones who are dragged to see this film by their women will probably appreciate its merits, though it will not be one most males will voluntarily line up to see. This is no Tom Cruise film. However, it seems very true to the time period. Women are seen participating in or learning what was considered, in that day, to be the womanly arts -- drawing, needle-pointing, tending to the sick and poor, gossipping and being great hostesses of social events. I liked this movie because it painted a picture of real people doing real things: being friends, making mistakes, dealing with the consequences, falling in love, helping others, and forgiving--or not--in a way which is realistic, charming, entertaining and believable. I could see myself being a part of this group of friends. One of the things I like best is the slow and subtle growth of the romance between Emma and the man she marries in the end. It is an illustration of a relationship which will last. They are friends for years. They know each other as people and not just as a romantic interest. They know the good and bad about each other, and yet they still love and respect each other and have a friendship based on a mutual 'like' of each other. When, at the end of the film, they discover that they have more than friendly feelings for each other, we can leave the theatre feeling certain that these two will love each other 'til they die.