Douglas McGrath's film is an elegant and entertaining adaptation of Jane Austen's 1816 novel about Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow), a well-to-do young woman whose kindhearted attempts at matchmaking mask her own lack of romantic attachment. She takes it upon herself to find the perfect man for her friend Harriet (Toni Collette). But .. Read more
| Starring | Gwyneth Paltrow, Toni Collette, Alan Cumming, Ewan McGregor |
|---|---|
| Director | Douglas McGrath |
| Genres | Drama |
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Douglas McGrath's film is an elegant and entertaining adaptation of Jane Austen's 1816 novel about Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow), a well-to-do young woman whose kindhearted attempts at matchmaking mask her own lack of romantic attachment. She takes it upon herself to find the perfect man for her friend Harriet (Toni Collette). But what appears to be a simple task becomes much more complicated, as Emma's machinations set off a chain reaction of misunderstandings between a number of people. Paltrow's charming performance is supported by an excellent cast, including Ewan McGregor, Jeremy Northam, Alan Cumming, and Greta Scacchi.
| Starring | Gwyneth Paltrow, Toni Collette, Alan Cumming, Ewan McGregor, Jeremy Northam, Greta Scacchi, Juliet Stevenson, Polly Walker |
|---|---|
| Director | Douglas McGrath |
| Studio | WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 56 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 15 Jun 2006 Production year: 1996 |
| Format | DVD |
Before she won an Oscar for her role in Shakespeare in Love, Gwyneth Paltrow made her mark as the quintessential Jane Austen heroine in this convincing period romance from writer/director Douglas McGrath. Paltrow stars as the strong-willed matchmaker who entangles her friend (Toni Collette) in hopeless passion while trying to uncover the identity of her own true soulmate. Laced with wit, sophistication and a host of fine supporting performances (Jeremy Northam, Alan Cumming, Juliet Stevenson), this bright and breezy drama weaves a magical spell, with Paltrow at its charming centre.
"...[Paltrow's] signature style of youthful country freshness and city-chick sophistication are used to good advantage....A sunny tea party..." -- Rating:B
After reading the novel, I wanted to see how Jane Austin's writing transferred to the screen. This is not the best dramatisation of one of her books, but it was not too much of a disappointment. Ewan Mcgregar does not suit a long bob, but this did not detract from the story.
The only complaint I have is that this film rushed through the story at breakneck pace, missing many of the most interesting parts of the book and only slowing down in the final scenes.
I would reccommend not reading the book until after watching the film to avoid disappointment. If it's good Jane Austin you're after, Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Predjudice are far superior adaptations.
After reading the novel, I wanted to see how Jane Austin's writing transferred to the screen. This is not the best dramatisation of one of her books, but it was not too much of a disappointment. Ewan Mcgregar does not suit a long bob, but this did not detract from the story.
The only complaint I have is that this film rushed through the story at breakneck pace, missing many of the most interesting parts of the book and only slowing down in the final scenes.
I would reccommend not reading the book until after watching the film to avoid disappointment. If it's good Jane Austin you're after, Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Predjudice are far superior adaptations.