BBC One’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Emma continues. Episode three aired in the UK on Sunday, October 18th. I am enjoying the beautiful locations and costumes, but am still perplexed with the screenplay. I am missing Jane Austen’s beautiful language and witty humor. There is much discussion about the variances in Regency manners and the over-the-top animation of actress Romola Garai’s eye popping and arm waving. I think this falls to the director Jim O’Hanlan’s choice of making this version more lively for a modern audience. You can check out all the discussion at AustenBlog (spoilers ahead), read Vic (Ms Place’s) view on episode three and the hair styles in the adaptation at Jane Austen’s World and be enlightened by Kali of the Emma Adaptations page and Strangegirl blogon her reactions to each episode. I am still hoping that the last episode will pull this unusually different interpretation of Austen’s masterpiece all together and cancel out the bits that are so annoying. For all you non-UK viewers, enjoy a sneak peek of episode three with this slideshow.
I’m putting up thoughts on ep 3 tonight! I promise! :D
Gorgeous! Although I personally love this series, I think I understand why a lot of people are not.
I think I’ve talked myself down to the point where I’m just happy there is a new Emma to watch (which is always a cause for rejoicing). We’ll see if my resolution holds through the end of the series.
There are so many Emma adaptations and none are completely satisfying. Let the attempts to perfect it on screen carry on – if nothing else we can all relish the felicity of disparaging them.
Once again your slides are gorgeous! I liked this episode overall. The ballroom scene was especially effective.
I must say I like the little I’ve been able to see of the new Emma. I’m not a “purist”, I think I could bear the “annoying bits” you talk about. But I’ll have to wait to give a proper evaluation. I read the ball scene was particularly exciting somewhere. I also read the watching figures were not so good, unfortunately. This is risky for period drama lovers like me! BBC adaptations are the best. I hope they won’t reduce their productions!
Lovely slide shows. I think Mr. Knightley looks a bit too young…
Steamy Darcy