DVD Reviews

Emma (2009) – DVD Review

By June L. Feb 15, 2010, 15:14 GMT

Beautiful, clever, and rich Emma Woodhouse is convinced she is good at matchmaking after her older sister and her governess both marry suitable husbands. No matter that as Mr Knightley drily observes, in reality, she had nothing to do with these relationships. Yet Emma, certain of her talents, plays a dangerous game as she persuades her new friend, the young, pretty and socially inferior Harriet to reject an advantageous marriage ...more

“Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and a happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.”

So begins Jane Austen’s novel Emma, with a description of a heroine Miss Austen feared no one would like, except herself.  In this new BBC production, Romola Garai portrays Emma in a manner that allows us to be annoyed with her actions and yet still feel a great affection for the young woman who thinks she has all the answers.

This Emma has much for viewers to enjoy.  The citizens of Highbury are a treat, Miss Bates (Tamsin Greig) has all the news of everyone including her niece Jane Fairfax, until Jane arrives and we see a spark of jealousy in Emma for this girl who does everything perfectly.  Romola Garai in the title role gives Emma the spirit of a pretty and talented child who has grown into a confident young woman convinced that there is nothing beyond her capabilities. 

She knows right from wrong, as she has had an excellent governess in Miss Taylor, now Mrs. Weston (Jodhi May) but she has been indulged by everyone from her father on down through the community and allowed to order things as she wishes. As the story unfolds we see that Emma is now certain that she has a talent for match making. 

She bases this on Miss Taylor’s wedding Mr. Weston, for which Emma takes all the credit.  Her neighbor and good friend Mr. Knightley (Jonny Lee Miller) is less than enthusiastic, telling Emma that she simply made a lucky guess, but that does not deter her from making an acquaintance with Miss Harriet Smith in order to avail her of her skill.  Miss Smith is a pretty and malleable young woman, just graduated from school to parlour boarder and is flattered by Miss Woodhouse’s attempts to bring her into proper society. 

One of the most intriguing elements of this production is to watch Miss Smith change from a scattered young woman into a perfect Emma clone.  What is really funny is that neither girl seems to recognize this astonishing metamorphosis has taken place.  One can imagine Emma’s satisfaction at how well Harriet is getting on, and Harriet in turn is delighted with her “make over.”

The Emma and Mr. Knightley scenes are pure pleasure to watch, even when the two are arguing.  In this production there is less of the wiser older man lecturing the young and foolish girl, but rather two spirited individuals dueling out their opinions.  They disagree, but neither is disagreeable, and both Ms. Garai and Mr. Miller give this performance an honesty that is both fun and convincingly real. 

Emma is proud, but she is good humored, not like Mrs. Elton (Louise Dylan) whose imperious behavior undermines her avowals of care and concern.  Michael Gambon is fabulous as Mr. Woodhouse. 

This character can so easily become peevish and foolish, but Mr. Gambon gives the old gentleman a pathos that makes him loveable.  We can forgive his unnecessary fears and worries, because he loves his children so much.

With a stellar cast performing in spectacular locations, and great attention to details of the time period, this Emma is a thing of beauty.  Presented on 2 discs the DVD is housed in a lovely book type case, illustrated with stills from the production.  It runs about 230 minutes for the feature, and there are several very good extras. 

“Emma’s Locations” takes the viewer into the great houses and the village used for the production, examining changes and film “magic” that made even winter scenes possible.  “Emma’s Costumes” has information on all elements involved in producing period costumes for actors, and interviews with the actors on how the clothes help make the characters come to life. 

“Emma’s Music” lets the viewer see where new compositions are blended with traditional music of the time period to create a fresh and yet appropriate score.  Finally there is an interview with Michael Gambon on his role as Mr. Woodhouse. 

This is an excellent production that belongs in any collection of classics or for anyone who loves period dramas.  

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