Emma Movie Review 1996

Jane Austen's 1816 novel about wealthy, 21-year-old Emma Woodhouse (Paltrow) who makes it her goal to "fix" the lives of all her friends, while ignoring her own problems (the modern adaptation was "Clueless"). Emma focuses much of her attention on Harriet Smith (Collete), a simple young woman who Emma believes is in need of the perfect mate. Meanwhile, Emma neglects to notice the attractive, and exasperated, Mr. Knightley (Northam). McGrath's screenplay makes Emma and Knightley more likable than in the book, but otherwise stays true. After the success of "Sense and Sensibility," Austen's name is making it in the movies in the footsteps of the likes of John Grisham.

Distribution

Buena Vista Home Entertainment, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521-1120, Toll-free: 800-723-4763, URL: http://www.bvhe.com

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 120 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Romantic Drama, Books to Film: Jane Austen, Period Piece: 19th Century, Great Britain, Female Bonding, Romantic Triangles, Wedding Bells

Screenplay

Douglas McGrath

Cast

Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, Greta Scacchi, Toni Collette, Alan Cumming, Juliet Stevenson, Polly Walker, Ewan McGregor, James Cosmo, Sophie Thompson, Phyllida Law

Cinematography

Ian Wilson

Director

Douglas McGrath

Music

Rachel Portman

Producer

Patrick Cassavetti, Steven Haft, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Donna Gigliotti, Haft Entertainment, Miramax Films

Awards

Oscars 1996: Orig. Score.