Top Pick, Given an A by Nicole Kent

Emma
(1996, Comedy)

Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, and Ewin McGregor; Director: Douglas McGrath

Gwenyth Paltrow is adorable in this movie. She is so funny and clueless. When I saw Clueless, I had no idea that it was a remake of Jane Austen's book -- I just thought that it was a cleverly-written plot about some ditzy high schooler who liked to fix everyone's love life -- no wonder it became one of my father's favorite comedies. But this movie grows on you! Every time I watch it, I find new things to laugh at.

My college roommate, Vicki Winkel, and I quote lines from this movie like "Sit back, and kindly refrain from the intimacy of whispering!" This quote is sure to produce some form of laughter. Gwenyth Paltrow is such a fox, and the interaction she has with Mr. Elton's wife, Jane Fairfax, Mr. Churchill, and even her own father, Mr. Woodhouse is side-splitting!

Now, that I've actually read the novel, I appreciate this movie so much more. I acknowledge the scenes that have been added to make the plot run smoother, like the closing scene, which is probably one of the most romantic scenes in this production. I don't know how many times I've watched this touching scene. Jeremy Northam says those irresistible words that just melt any girl's heart.

Mr. Knightley: I rode through the rain! I'd - I'd ride through worse than that if I could just hear your voice telling me that I might at least have some chance to win you.

Great movie! :-)

Kelly's Comments

Emma’s Dos and Don’ts
I too am a Jane Austen fan! The 1996 movie adaptation of Emma is so adorable! I never tire from Emma's (Gwyneth Paltrow) witty comments like, “Is it possible that Mr. Elton met her while doing charitable work in a mental infirmary?” It is also nice to hear Ewin McGregor sing. But my absolute favorite part of repeatedly watching Emma, is to see her hairdos.

I am going to borrow know-it-all Mrs. Elton, comments on Emma’s wedding, “I do not profess to be an expert in the field of fashion (though my friends say I have quite the eye)!” Like Mrs. Elton, I do not profess to be an expert, but I can tell you what I prefer.

Some of her hair dos are not as attractive as others. For example, while Emma discusses the riddle with Harriet, Emma’s hair is elegant but not that attractive (her dress is wonderful though). During the picnic scene where Emma’s behavior is abominable, Emma’s hair is done quite nicely with a white bow.

Moving on to some of my favorites, I absolutely love Emma’s up-do while she is painting Harriet's portrait. The hanging curls make this style so lovable! Her messy up-do is fantastic as she picks daisies in the garden. I could just love this style because of Emma’s childish behavior when she contemplates whether or not Mr. Knightly loves Harriet.

Award-winning hairdos appear at the end of Emma. When Emma comes to the realization that she loves Mr. Knightly, her hair looks absolutely breathtaking. She has those adorable hanging curls around her face while the rest of her hair is swept up in a white barette of curls. It took me awhile to fully appreciate Emma’s hair during the proposal scene. After studying this scene, you will come to realize that Emma’s hairdo is constantly changing since the proposal scene was probably filmed over a period of time. I think Mr. Knightly had a hair cut in between takes. Emma’s final hairdo is wonderful. I just love those white ribbons in the back.

Mrs. Elton had to find fault with Emma’s wedding, but criticizes the wrong thing. She comments on the “shocking lack of satin!” If she had to criticize something, I would have told Mrs. Elton to comment on Emma’s awful hairdo! The hairstylist should have done way better for the final scene of the movie. Over all, the good up-dos outweigh the mediocre ones.