Brain Soup Goes Gilmore discussion

Let's talk about all the various adaptations of Emma! Which is your favorite? Which do you think best capture the spirit of the book? What are the strengths and weaknesses of various versions?

(NOTE: Dayeanne will not be reading this thread, so no need to be self-conscious about your Emma Approved talk. On the other hand, if you'd like to talk to her about her experiences with the show, we'll have an opportunity for you to do so later in the month!)

Gotta say I love love love the 1996 Douglas McGrath adaptation with Gwyneth Paltrow. There's just something about it that's always given me warm fuzzies inside. Not to mention the score is beautiful.

My personal favourites are the 2009 BBC adaptation with Romola Garai & Jonny Lee Miller and Clueless. A lot of people complain about the 2009 adaptation not keeping Austen's language, but the 1996 adaptation with Kate Beckinsale was very much Emma word for word, but it didn't capture the spirit of the novel (the music is also GORGEOUS).

I loved the 1996 Emma adaption! The one with Romola Garai was good as well in my opinion, I just think Gwyneth Paltrow was a better Emma then Romola Garai. When I read the book I always picture Gwyneth Paltrow's Emma, Knightley is a mixture of both adaptions

I don't think I have a favorite adaptationof Emma, but whenever I read It, ​​Gwyneth Patrow is the first that comes to my mind. However I always try to make a connection with all the adaptations, including Emma Approved and Clueless.

I have never seen a classic movie adaption of Emma though I plan to look up both that are discussed here soon. I very much enjoy Clueless, which I first saw before reading the book but I think is a very good adaption that covers the story without making anything feel forced. Clueless was actually one of the reason I read Emma. I also enjoyed Emma Approved and some of the changes that they made to make it feel modern.

I have seen merits in several of the Emma adaptations, but to me, none of them has hit it exactly right (I guess that is how things go with adaptations though). I really enjoyed the 2009 version. Michael Gambon WAS Mr. Woodhouse to me... I think that was my favorite acting choice. Romola was a good actress, but her Emma seemed a bit clumsy and rushed to me. I think the grace of Gwyneth Paltrow is a bit more what I envision when I think of Emma Woodhouse. I like Emma Approved's modern take on Emma's character. I think Joanna does a good job of portraying both Emma's likable qualities as well as her more questionable tendencies. I have yet to see a period adaptation of Mr. Knightley that really strikes me.

I grew up watching the Gwyneth Paltrow version and loving it. It does a pretty good job of condensing the story into a Hollywood film, is very funny, and has a great soundtrack. Oh, and Jeremy Northam!

But the 2009 BBC adaptation is now my favourite by far, for exploring a lot more of the story, sometimes in even more depth than the book itself. How I just love the beginning, where little Emma's life is contrasted to little Jane and little Frank, both sent away when they are so small. It has so many exceptional performances too - Harriet is lovably naive, and Emma is much more intelligent (with her blinders on). Gwyneth Paltrow's Emma is not quite smart enough for me any more.