EMMA – a new take on a well loved story
EMMA – a new take on a well loved story. Look for it from February 14th onwards!
Georgian Regency England which is the era where this film, inspired by the 1815 novel of Emma by Jane Austen takes place, is depicted in an instantly enchanting catalogue of book readers, musicians and glamorous landed gentry tete a teteing and socialising in close quarters in a time where there was no radio, television or other media to distract people from being very close and intimate in their relationships with friends, potential amours and family. Envy might even be a word where the modern viewer cosseted by endless availability of media and social media plus the “freedom” to eat drink and be merry and free living regardless, could think almost enviously of the innocence and engagement with one and other portrayed by this period film. Tea drinking is also made much of. It is something of a satyrical story. The screenplay is carefully written by Eleanor Catton.
Director Autumn de Wilde – also a fashion photographer, may have influenced the enchanting hair dos and costumes which the characters sport, with Emma in particular portrayed as a veritably fashionable lady played by Anya Taylor-Joy, talented and serene in her way of words and life, living with her father, played by the inimitable Bill Nighy who is well loved in the world of film fans, and definitely doesn’t disappointment in his role of lovable aging and gentle aristocratic dad. Referring back to the fashion element of the story, the bonnet is portrayed in many guises of delectable style, as are the outfits of the male characters whose attire in those days was a tad more glamorous than most of what we see in England today.
Amongst the locations for the shoots are included Hartfield (home of the Woodhouses), Trafalgar Park, Downton near Salisbury, Wiltshire, Highbury Village near Corsham Wiltshire, and Syon House, Syon Park, 8 miles Northwest of London. The lavish lifestyle of these artistocratic characters is depicted through their parties, their sit down meals, their picnics, their wonderful horses with carriages and the array of real burning candles and fires in the hearths settting the scene for the authenticity of this tale. Emma enjoys art and is something of an aficionado in the subject and draws her friend Harriet Smith in a pose which beguiles some of her male suitors. Much is made throughout, of the carryings on between potentially matching couples and there is more than one wedding to behold.
The cast list for this new Emma is impressive with Johnny Flynn (who also plays in bands) playing the seductive Mr George Knightley and Mia Goth – Harriet, Emma’s close and very loveable companion. Miranda Hart entertains as a lady of enthusiasm and gusto but with reduced means, and other cast includes Josh O’Connor, Callum Turner, Connor Swindells, Rupert Graves,Tanya Reynolds, Amber Anderson, Gemma Whelam, Chloe Pirrie and Jill Buchanan. I cannot name all the cast here but suffice it to say the film is full of talented performers.
Last but not least is my admiration for the very sensitive way love and romance is handled. Yes there are tiffs, yes there are tears, yes there are trysts and love letters and rivals and jealousies, which makes it so delectable to be a spectator and witness to this enduring story of Georgian England. So go grab a ticket with a friend, contact or friends and relax whilst this brand new version of Emma unfolds into your laps.
ENJOY
Penny Nair Price