'Emma' directed by Autumn de Wilde

‘Emma’ directed by Autumn de Wilde is a difficult movie to pin down. Which one: Period piece? Chick flic? Comedy? Romance? All of the above? This writer is not familiar with Jane Austen’s written work except to know the titles of her books. This, most recent rendition of Jane Austen’s Emma, is quirky and made me laugh out loud. My laughter was at the machinations of Emma Woodhouse (played by Anya Taylor-Joy), an entitled young woman in the 1800’s. Emma, a self described match maker, interfered in the romantic lives of her friends. So much so that she almost lost her own love! Her father, Mr. Woodhouse (played by Bill Nighy), flighty and hypochondriacal, was always certain there was a draft to make him ill calling for his servants to 'bring the screens'. Mr. Knightley (played by Johnny Flynn), from a neighbouring estate, was a family friend who was frequently a guest at the Woodhouse estate. Class strata were evident in relationships and dress. Maids, butlers and footmen carried each day, dressing their superiors, serving their superiors and providing their every comfort. Including privacy while they stood ready to serve. This was all acted out in a charming tongue in cheek manner. The stunning finery, bonnets and coiffures, beautiful mansions and rolling greenery of the English countryside provided the backdrop for this delightful film.

“Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by 

sensible people in an impudent way.”
~ Jane Austen, Emma (novel)

Directed by Autumn de Wilde

Written By:  Eleanor Catton, Jane Austen

Cast: 

Anya Taylor-Joy - Emma Woodhouse

Johnny Flynn - George Knightley

Bill Nighy - Mr. Woodhouse, Emma’s father

Mia Goth - Harriet Smith

Myra McFadyen - Mrs. Bates

Josh O’’Connor - Mr. Elton

Tanya Reynolds - Mrs. Elton

Callum Turner - Frank Churchill

Rupert Graves - Mr. Weston

Gemma Whelan - Mrs. Weston

Amber Anderson - Jane Fairfax
Miranda Hart - Miss Bates