the JANE AUSTEN adaption EMMA starring Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong 1996 *** I don’t own the movie all credits go to the BBC****
the JANE AUSTEN adaption EMMA starring Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong 1996 *** I don’t own the movie all credits go to the BBC****
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I like Mark Strong’s Mr Knightley but that kiss was so awkward! And just in general the dialogue between them felt really…strained I guess, even when they realised they both loved each other. So far prefer the Gwyneth Paltrow version engagement scene.
Austen’s characters go through a self-realization journey throughout her stories. You actually see them “grow up”. That is what happens to Emma in the book as well. She realizes how foolish her perception of life, social relations, and more importantly love has been, she goes through a self-journey, and it is then that she discovers her love for Knightly (she sort of becomes worthy of love, and to love). IMO, the biggest shortcoming of this adaptation is the failure to show her transformation.
Even though this version is truer to the book, I have to say I like the 2009 version with Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller the best. That version captures the spirit of the story much better: Emma is cheerful and lighthearted, and though she makes a lot of mistakes, she means well. Mr. Knightly has a sense of humor and you actually see him fall in love with Emma.
As much as I admire Mark Strong, I think the chemistry between Emma and Mr. Knightly is missing in here.
@chanman67chevy Oh, so true!!! Jonny is my favorite Knightley and I didn’t understand why. Now that you analyed the three knightleys, I get it! So true!
Oh dear… Kate Beckinsale does a good job, and Mark Strong’s Knightley is fine too – very intense if a bit too angry – but their feeling just aren’t developed well enough here. Oh LOOK, someone else wants him, *flashback flashback* and all of a sudden she realizes, ooh i LOVE him! it just doesn’t work. There are good things about all the versions (well, ok, romola garai really annoys me) but none of them have it spot on yet… maybe next time…
Indeed, I love all the Mr Knightleys in all the adaptations very much. Personally, I think Mark Strong’s voice and countenance, as well as his obvious age disparity with Kate Beckinsale makes for the most realistic Mr Knightley among them all. The way he speaks, his posture, his conduct and all that is very true to the book. I also like Kate Beckinsale’s youthful looks, her mischievous expression and whatnot. I only wish the movie wasn’t so short and developed the story more.
Agreed that the lines are delivered much more naturally in this version that in the 2009…but this rendition certainly lacks the spark of the 2009.
As for comparing Mr Knightleys, Mark Strong acts much more like an English gentleman than JLM, although JLM has more passion. A bit too much sometimes (like when he scolds Emma for teasing Miss Bates).
This is my favourite out of all the adaptations that have ever been done of this movie.
for me these 2 portrait them best
Kiss badly done!!!lol Nothing is believable here in my opinion. Why does Knightley love Emma? Why does Emma love Knightley? Just because they´ve known each other since forever and just because someone else fancies him? Well, okay…lol
What chemistry??? Just goes to show that tastes differ, I guess. I just don´t like it when Mr. Knightley is played as such a stern father figure – gives me the creeps! Who wants someone who always only frowns at you?? Not so in the book thank goodness!
I love this adaptation of Emma, Kate Beckinsale is the best Emma, I love her.
Honestly this version is much better than the 2009 or even the Gwyneth Paltrow one… there is much more passion and intensity in this Mr Knightley’s voice, and the chemistry between the two actors is almost perfect! Also the way these famous Austen lines are delivered is more realistic, and the actors’ movements and gestures really add to them…
I like all the Mr. Knightley’s for different reasons. and i definitely can understand why Emma would love this one. but i think Jonny lee Miller did by far the best. Northam brought lots of warmth to Knightley, while Strong was a very upright, noble Knightley. i think Miller did very well of combining the two. he was sensitive, while still remaining strong, and good.
I disagree. JLM’s Mr Knightley was foppish and completely unlike Jane Austen’s written version. This is THE best Emma adaptation yet made.
Like this Emma but prefer Jonny Lee Miller for Mr. Knightley. The comment about holding Emma at 3 weeks old is sick. That was not in the book. This Mr. Knightley is very stern and there is no real reason in this film for Emma to love him.