Browser’s Magnificent Seven

Emma

THIS genteel and witty comedy of manners in 19th century rural England is one of Jane Austen’s best loved novels. Entertaining, high society fluff.

Gwyneth Paltrow is well-meaning Emma Woodhouse, a meddlesome young matchmaker whose plans usually come unstuck. Even free-spirited Emma eventually finds personal happiness where she least expects it. Emma tries to fix up her orphan friend Toni Collette with oily vicar Alan Cumming but Toni prefers a more forthright local farmer. Truth to tell, the vicar really fancies Emma anyway.

Some of the best known of Austen’s cleverly observed characters are on parade. Ewan McGregor is a dashing young squire, Juliet Stevenson plays a screechy harridan, Sophie Thompson is Miss Bates who says everything three times and Phyllida Law is her mother who never listens to a word she says anyway. In real life, this engaging duo are Emma Thompson’s sister and mother.

American screenwriter Douglas McGrath made a creditable debut as director in 1996. He resisted the temptation to spice up Austen’s dialogue for American audiences. Rachel Portman’s background music won an Oscar.

Empire magazine called it: “A light-hearted and energetic comedy of who-loves-who and small upsets. This works well — and it boasts Paltrow’s star-making turn.”

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