Jane Austen adaptations have been numerous. Emma, Austen's novel, has been adapted many times, once with Gwenthe Paltrow as the protagonist. I find however, BBC's Emma has all the charm, wit, and vigor a Victorian series should have. Emma in this adaptation cares deeply for her father who has become obsessively afraid of being alone since his wife's death. Emma is a socialite sweetheart busybody who is in the matchmaking business "unofficially." Emma is often scolded and chastised by her oldest friend Mr. Knightly, who worries over Emma's encouragement of friends to find their soul mate. Emma encounters many suitors for herself, one Vicar, another Mr. Churchill, and finally there is Mr. Knightly.
Emma and perhaps most of Victorian stories could be a parable of why not to gossip, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless," (James 1:26), "At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention," (1 Timothy 5:13), "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear," (Ephesians 4:29), "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler," (Proverbs 20:19), "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak," (Matthew 12:36), and "But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness," (2 Timothy 2:16). Emma gossips and manipulates, with good heart mind you, to match make, but repeatdly she risks relationships and in the end discovers the folly of her ways. It is her gossip and machinations of the heart, leading people by her babbling that puts Emma in predicament at the climax of the story that could ruin her every happiness!
Aside from gossip, Emma in many ways is like Emmanuel, Jesus in her compassion, and her tender heart, not to mention bold soul that bursts at the seams with a laugh that is bound to win over any enemy. Unlike Gwyneth Paltrow's portrayal, which was more Jane Eyre in airs and less tender, Romola Garai's Emma (see pic) is charming to the zenith. Forgiving her is not matter of if, but when because this Emma obviously has a good heart, loving soul, and personality that could make any man, including myself, offer a pledge of marriage. Ironically, that would not be to Emma's liking, for she is matchmaker for all but her own heart.
The contest for Emma's affections is between Mr. Knightly and Mr. Churchill. Knightly has on his side, a history, both Emma and Him grew up together, he understands Emma's desire to stay near her ailing father, he has rapport with Emma in conversation, he is dignified and calls out Emma when she transgresses calling a sweet old impoverished lady dull, reminding Emma of Emmanuel's words, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell." (Matthew 5:22). Mr.Churchill is brash, whimsical, impulsive, and a tad narcissistic. Knightly in everyway is the knight, standing at attention near Emma to offer his aid, input, and a chuckle here and there, but Churchill is very volatile, and is irritable in the summer heat. As in case of Victoria and Albert, the revelation of who is the true soul mate lies in ball room dance, it seems back then dancing often was the definitive means of discovering if one has chemistry and connection.
I often do not recommend Jane Austen films, save for Sense and Sensibility with Emma Watson and Hugh Grant, because often they are rather dry and lack dimension in personalities and pose, and dare I say propriety. Mansfield Park's adaptation has scandalous scene akin to pornography, and Pride and Prejudice starring Kiera Knightly has made me rather prejudiced against Mrs. Knightly acting style. Thankfully, Emma BBC (2009) is an exception and should bee seen. I shall not ruin how it ends, and leave that to you the viewer to discover if Emma does end up a bacholerette as she intends at beginning of series or something more.
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