The 1996 film Emma is quite possibly my favorite movie and quite definitely my favorite version of the Jane Austen classic novel.
The impeccable casting, general story-line and the ways in which it relates to my own life have most endeared it to my heart.
Some of the main actors and actresses are Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, Ewan McGregor, Denys Hawthorne and Sophie Thompson. Every actor was outstanding at portraying their parts and I have a hard time watching other versions and accepting other portrayals of these characters.
The story is about a young woman named Emma who claims to have skills in the art of match-making.
She meddles in the lives of her friends and acquaintances in order to make these matches and ultimately makes a mess.
Her actions cause pain and all manner of awkward situations for herself and her friends. Though she is a kind and thoughtful person, she can also be judge-mental and proud.
She learns a lot through the course of the story especially through the council of her former governess, Mrs. Weston (Greta Scacchi) and her friend Mr. Knightley who is like a brother to her.
Mr. Knightley is played by Jeremy Northam. I thought he portrayed the Mr. Knightly perfectly.
He was quiet, very kind and respectful. He would speak up against wrongdoings and always spoke up about the good in people. He was not selfish. He had a warm smile and used it a lot.
Once Emma said something unkind to Ms. Bates, a lady in the town who was unpopular because of her annoying nature. Mr. Knightley was immediately kind to Ms. Bates and then chastised Emma about it afterward, saying that Ms. Bates is poor and deserved more compassion than that.
Much later, Mr. Knightley told Emma he had faith that she was more than her actions had suggested.
"It is not pleasant for me to say these things, but I must while I still can, proving my self your friend through the most faithful council."
He hated to make her cry and was visibly worried she would hate him for his honesty, but he held his ground.
Then there was Frank Churchill who was a show-off, flirt and used people and the Eltons were disrespectful and selfish.
Mr. Knightley was deeply offended by these people.
Mr. Elton snubbed poor Harriet at the ball just because he knew she had a crush on him. Mr. Knightley saw this and immediately asked her dance making everything better. So he was kind and respectful to all, no matter what they thought of him.
He wasn't afraid that people would get the wrong idea...Harriet thought he was in love with her just because he was kind.
Of course he wasn't in love with her but he did the right thing anyway and it all worked out in the end. He was kind to the underdog, and those who were weak and unpopular.
He thought of and spoke well of most people.
He thought of and spoke well of most people.
Meanwhile Mr. Knightley has been considering her in the same way. He seeks the council of others and then goes and tells Emma he loves her. She is so happy but feels "so mistaken in her make-up to deserve him". He contradicts her saying that he too is not perfect and he loves her.
I love this ending because so often I feel like a big mess, always making mistakes, saying things I should not say. I have been so fortunate to have people who would come to me and correct me.
I love how Mr. Knightley was honest with her about her flaws but saw past them and loved her anyway. I love how he always fought for what was right no matter what.
No comments:
Post a Comment