Johnny Flynn as George Knightley and Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma Woodhouse
EMMA
Film review by Marlene Ardoin
When I first viewed this film, pre-Covid 19 era, I knew that “Emma” had something different about it, but I could not put my finger on it.
After a little research, I discovered that it not only has a female director, Autumn de Wilde, but it also has a female writer, Eleanor Catton.
The point of view of this Jane Austen classic is totally feminine.
We see the romantic interest, George Knightley (Johnny Flynn), in the very beginning of this film, throwing off his clothes, and then is dressed with all his fussy, but manly glory.
Sexual politics is the topic of this story and Knightley has our votes from the very beginning.
Men and women are being judged, then pitted against each other for some kind of advantage in the ranking.
This was an era with very obvious class divisions (the Georgian era in 1815 was right before the Victorian era).
Also, women were not allowed to own property, because they were property.
In fact, Jane Austin was living in a cottage on her brother’s property, when she began writing novels.
In the original story, Knightley was supposed to be the older friend of Emma’s (Anya Taylor-Joy) father.
In this film, he is closer to her age, rather than about seventeen years older than she.
Although delightful, it does not make sense as to why he is so often the guest of her father, except, maybe he is checking her out.
They make a perfect couple, but cannot stop criticizing and disagreeing with each other in the beginning of their relationship.
The father gets what is going on, but Emma does not.
She is spoiled, beautiful, and headstrong.
Emma assumed the status of her father’s companion, since the time her mother died, when she was around twelve.
Emma interjects herself into the lives of others as a matchmaker, without any real credentials of her own.
She eventually succeeds in putting a powerful spell on Knightley, who, like her father, finally allows her to have her way.
The real writer of this story, Jane Austin, was the daughter of a clergyman.
And, I cannot think of a single story, where she presents the clergy in a kindly manner, and this is no exception.
Although, I do think Austin was an authority on the subject matter, having observed the culture all her life.
The characterizations in this film are interesting, entertaining and drop dead gorgeous.
While each characterization is strong, the most interesting character is the director, Autumn De Wilde.
It turns out that this is her first film at age 49.
She is a well-respected photographer, but was not given the green light to make a film until now.
De Wilde has a grown daughter, is very feminine, but with the making of this film, she becomes androgynous in appearance.
There is no doubt that De Wilde has a very keen eye for both male and female beauty, as is evident in all her photo shoots.
I am not sure if the androgynous persona allowed her to make her cast feel at ease, or if her real self is finally being allowed to shine.
In my opinion, “Emma 2020” is the absolute best version yet.
Autumn de Wilde feminine version.
Autumn de Wilde androgynous version.
Cast
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma Woodhouse
- Johnny Flynn as George Knightley
- Mia Goth as Harriet Smith
- Miranda Hart as Miss Bates
- Bill Nighy as Mr. Woodhouse
- Josh O’Connor as Mr. Elton
- Callum Turner as Frank Churchill
- Amber Anderson as Jane Fairfax
- Rupert Graves as Mr. Weston
- Gemma Whelan as Mrs. Weston
- Tanya Reynolds as Mrs. Elton
- Connor Swindells as Robert Martin
- Oliver Chris as John Knightley
- Chloe Pirrie as Isabella Knightley
| Directed by | Autumn de Wilde |
| Produced by | · Tim Bevan· Eric Fellner |
| Screenplay by | Eleanor Catton |
| Based on | Emma by Jane Austen |
| Starring | · Anya Taylor-Joy· Johnny Flynn
· Mia Goth |
| Music by | · Isobel Waller-Bridge· David Schweitzer |
| Cinematography | Christopher Blauvelt |
| Edited by | Nick Emerson |
| Production companies |
· Perfect World Pictures· Working Title Films |
| Distributed by | Focus Features |
| Release date | · 14 February 2020 (United Kingdom) |
| Running time | 124 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $25.2 million[1][2] |
Autumn de Wilde directs actors and actresses in “Emma.”
Emma (2020) Wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_(2020_film)
Which Emma movie is better? 2020 or 1996?:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ_DwAN3evw
Autumn de Wilde’s secret for directing your first film at 49?:
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-02-22/autumn-de-wilde-emma-director
Autumn de Wilde trivia: 31 facts about the famous photographer:
https://www.uselessdaily.com/movies/autumn-de-wilde-trivia-31-facts-about-the-famous-photographer/
Director Autumn de Wilde on EMMA’s legendary love story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyP2w_hGNiI
Anya Taylor-Joy & director Autumn de Wilde on EMMA. | Full Q&A [HD] | Coolidge Corner Theatre:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyDhhwDq-S4
Emma Cast Anya Taylor-Joy & Johnny Flynn Chat Nude Scenes & Mia Goth’s Orgasm | MTV Movies:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD9wCB0_ulI
Anya Taylor-Joy and Johnny Flynn Talk Emma and The New Mutants:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNlJKYTxAmE
Anya Taylor Joy and Jonny Flynn – Emma Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXLED-10KW4
Anya Taylor-Joy on starring in Jane Austen’s classic tale ‘Emma’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALmIIUU9Ryc
EMMA | On-set Interview with the Cast & Filmmakers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwbrG89Uwkk
“EMMA” behind the scenes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_WMU_iSKDI
Projector: Emma. (2020) (REVIEW)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe6SRNTw_6k
Book vs. Movie: Emma (1996, 1997, 2009, 2020):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTSYYtcsuzA
5/4/2020 # EMMA 2020
Lady Susan (Kate Beckinsale)