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Jane Austin’s novel EMMA has gone through numerous
adaptations over the years with varying results. The latest
from the BBC has its moments but as with all adaptations
that have been done over the years also has its flaws. ***
Adapted by Sandy Welch (who also did the excellent
“Jane Eyre” and “North and South”) and directed by Jim O’Hanlon,
“Emma” focuses on the title character played by Romola Garai
(best knonw for “Atonement”). As with most of Austin’s main
characters she is a child of wealth and privilege. Emma
clings to optimism even in the face of tragedy such as her
mother dying giving birth to her and Emma’s father (Michael
Gambon) who has become reclusive finding comfort only in
OCD type behavior. Emma believes her lot in life is to bring
happiness to others as a matchmaker and she starts to work
with Mr. Elton (Blake Ritson) and the new governess Harriet
Smith (Louise Dylan). The problem is that Emma can only
see her plans not the possible consequences of her plans
and that’s where things go awry for her and everyone she
comes into contact with. ***
As with all BBC shows the production values are top
notch throughout and the direction by O’Hanlon brings a
nice breezy pacing to the series. The actors are terrific
throughout. If there is any flaw with “Emma” it’s the familiarity
of the plot and some of the performances which fail to catch
fire as they should here. Still, overall, the cast does
a fine job with the material. ---
Image & Sound:
A more recent BBC production, “Emma” looks quite nice
with lush colors and detail. There are digital artifacts
such as edge enhancement that crop up and some mosquito
noise that crop up now and again but on the whole the visual
part of “Emma” is quite pleasing. ***
Audio sounds terrific with dialogue front, center and
clear. ---
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