Emma (1996)

While matchmaking for friends and neighbours, a young 19th Century Englishwoman nearly misses her own chance at love.

Director:

Douglas McGrath

Writers:

Jane Austen (novel), Douglas McGrath (screenplay)

Stars:

Gwyneth Paltrow, James Cosmo, Greta Scacchi

Won 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gwyneth Paltrow	...	Emma Woodhouse
James Cosmo	...	Mr Weston
Greta Scacchi	...	Mrs Weston
Alan Cumming	...	Mr Elton
Denys Hawthorne	...	Mr Woodhouse
Sophie Thompson	...	Miss Bates
Jeremy Northam	...	Mr Knightley
Toni Collette	...	Harriet Smith
Kathleen Byron	...	Mrs Goddard
Phyllida Law	...	Mrs Bates
Edward Woodall	...	Mr. Martin
Brett Miley	...	Little Boy
Brian Capron	...	John Knightley
Karen Westwood	...	Isabella
Paul Williamson	...	Footman

Storyline

Emma Woodhouse is a congenial young lady who delights in meddling in other people's affairs. She is perpetually trying to unite men and women who are utterly wrong for each other. Despite her interest in romance, Emma is clueless about her own feelings, and her relationship with gentle Mr. Knightly.

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Plot Keywords:

matchmaker | jane austen | name as title | female lead | blonde | 

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Taglines:

Cupid is armed and dangerous!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for brief mild language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 August 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ema

Filming Locations:

Breakspear House, Harefield, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$240,649, 4 August 1996, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$22,201,883, 24 November 1996

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$15,600,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Miramax,Matchmaker Films,Haft Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The red and white muslin gown worn by a wedding guest is the same costume worn by Catherine Walker (Eleanor Tilney) to greet Catherine and Henry when they return from Woodston in Northanger Abbey (2007).

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Goofs

On the DVD cover, she sets her arrow on the wrong side, it's okay for 3 yards shot, but surely she should set on the left, otherwise she mastered Japanese bow-arrow shooting.

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Quotes

Mr. Knightley: Emma, you didn't ask me to contribute a riddle.
Emma Woodhouse: Your entire personality is a riddle, Mr. Knightley. I thought you overqualified.

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Crazy Credits

Thanks to ... the people of Evershot.

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Connections

Featured in Hollywood's Top Ten: Gwyneth Paltrow Movies (2011)

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Soundtracks

Jacob Hall's Jig
From John Playford's 'The English Dancing Master' Vol. 3 (1728)
Traditional
Arranged by John Gale

User Reviews

Well done, Emma, well done!

I was so impressed with Doug McGrath's film version of the Jane Austen novel "Emma," and I loved the music score by Rachel Portman so much, that when I went to the video store one day and discovered the two had re-united for "Nicholas Nickleby" I immediately rented it without any other consideration.

I have read the book, and for those overly-critical fans of this Jane Austen adaptation, I don't know what else McGrath could have done to more perfectly capture the spirit and major plot elements of Miss Austen's work, especially given the limitations of a two hour movie (which some have complained about being too long!). And as far as Gwen Paltrow's accent is concerned, I must confess I wasn't too familiar with her when I saw this at the theater initially, and I was absolutely convinced at the time that she was an English actress!

I am taken aback by those who criticized the film for its lush scenery. That is one of the things I enjoy and look forward to seeing in period pieces set in the English countryside. The film's beautiful backgrounds are a major contributor to its appeal and success. If your idea of escapist fare is something bleaker, then perhaps you should rent something like "Death Wish III!"

The English country settings are as attractive and charming as the cast, and combine with the story and soundtrack for entertainment that makes you not tire of repeat viewings. McGrath is a wonder at choreographing the interplay of subtle expressions that are so essential in conveying the complicated romantic intrigue that occurs in this story.

This refreshing movie could also be a clinic on how enjoyable a film can be minus sex, violence or even a villainous antagonist. The story is often amusing, endearing, and at times, quite touching.

I have seen many competent Jane Austen book adaptations but this is without question my favorite.